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Biomass-derived surface-functionalized graphene quantum dots for aggregation-induced green fluorescence
Syed Adil Shah1, Eman Gul2, Syed Niaz Ali Shah3
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University Shenzhen Guangdong 518060 PR China syedshahkhan2141@gmail.com.
Nanoscale Advances
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Researchers synthesized nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from biomass. Surface functionalization enhanced their green fluorescence and introduced defects, showing potential for displays and cancer drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Surface modification and vacancy defects significantly impact nanomaterial properties.
- Understanding defect dynamics in graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is crucial but challenging.
- Atomically thin GQDs with controlled defects are underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize nitrogen-doped GQDs from biomass.
- To investigate the effects of surface functionalization on GQD defects and fluorescence.
- To explore potential applications in displays and cancer therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of nitrogen-doped GQDs from biomass extracts.
- Surface functionalization of GQDs.
- Characterization using UV-vis, FTIR, dark-field STEM, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
- Luminescence studies (fluorescence and photoluminescence).
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of ~3 nm nitrogen-doped GQDs.
- Surface functionalization introduced inner defects and promoted GQD aggregation.
- Significant enhancement of green fluorescence observed.
- Characterization confirmed GQD structure, defects, and functional groups.
Conclusions:
- Surface-functionalized GQDs exhibit enhanced luminescence due to introduced defects and aggregation.
- These GQDs are promising for high-performance display applications due to their semiconducting nature.
- Their biocompatibility and fluorescence make them suitable for drug delivery, especially in cancer therapy.
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