Electrochemical preparation of luminescent graphene quantum dots from multiwalled carbon nanotubes

TitleElectrochemical preparation of luminescent graphene quantum dots from multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsShinde, DB, Pillai, VK
JournalChemistry-A European Journal
Volume18
Issue39
Pagination12522-12528
Date PublishedSEP
ISSN0947-6539
Keywordselectrochemical synthesis, graphene, Nanostructures, photoluminescence, quantum dots
Abstract

Green luminescent, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with a uniform size of 3, 5, and 8.2(+/- 0.3) nm in diameter were prepared electrochemically from MWCNTs in propylene carbonate by using LiClO4 at 90?degrees C, whereas similar particles of 23(+/- 2) nm were obtained at 30?degrees C under identical conditions. Both these sets of GQDs displayed a remarkable quantum efficiency of 6.3 and 5.1?%, respectively. This method offers a novel strategy to synthesise size-tunable GQDs as evidenced by multiple characterisation techniques like transmission and scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Photoluminescence of these GQDs can be tailored by size variation through a systematic change in key process parameters, like diameter of carbon nanotube, electric field, concentration of supporting electrolyte and temperature. GQDs are promising candidates for a variety of applications, such as biomarkers, nanoelectronic devices and chemosensors due to their unique features, like high photostability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity and tunable solubility in water.

DOI10.1002/chem.201201043
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)5.831
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry