Graphene Quantum Dots with Blue and Yellow Luminescence Fabricated by Modulating Intercalation State.

ABSTRACT: The development of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with low toxicity, excellent dispersibility, and high photostability has led to extensive progress in bio-imaging and optical sensing applications. However, one-pot synthesis and mass production of GQDs, and tuning their photoluminescence, remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate a simple and scalable method for fabricating GQDs with high size uniformity and chemical stability, via a sequential process of inserting alkali metal into graphite (Stage I: KC₈ and Stage II: KC₂₄) and exfoliation to GQDs in a selected solvent. Structural and optical measurements were conducted, and the emitted colors of the as-prepared GQDs were blue (KC₈) and yellow (KC₂₄), respectively. The stage of graphite intercalation in the compounds played an important role in the size and thickness of the GQD. The as-prepared GQDs had clear characteristic peaks consistent with the quantum confinement effect and intrinsic/extrinsic states. Our approach will provide great potential for a wide variety of bioimaging and bioanalysis applications.

SUBMITTER: Park KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9572107 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature