Electrochemical preparation of luminescent graphene quantum dots from multiwalled carbon nanotubes

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 LiClO(4) at 90 °C, whereas similar particles of 23(±2) nm were obtained at 30 °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.