Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) and their Synthesis: A Critical Review
Dr. (Smt.) Rashmi Jindal
Assistant Professor, Chemistry Department, C. L. Jain Degree College, Firozabad, UP, India
Being a fluorescent carbon material, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have seeked attention due to their properties and potential applications in biological, optoelectronic, and energy-related fields. Furthermore, GQDs are nontoxic and possess biologically inert properties. Due to these characteristics, they are apt for various commercial and domestic applications, which include catalysis, imaging, medical applications, energy-based research, and environmental applications.
However, their high cost and low yield remain open challenges for practical applications. Many carbon-based resources has been used to synthesise GQDs, such as graphite flakes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon fibrecoal and others. The main focus of this review is on the methods of synthesis of GQDs. The synthesis strategies of GQDs, including top–down and bottom–up strategies mainly containing, the hydrothermal or solvothermal method, the ultrasonic-assisted or microwave assisted process and electrochemical oxidation from small molecules or polymers, are discussed.
Keywords: Graphene Quantum Dots, Bottom-up method, Top-down method.
