Graphene quantum dots excel in drug delivery, sensing, and energy storage due to their unique photoluminescence and biocompatibility.
By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D.Feb 15 2024Reviewed by Megan Craig, M.Sc. Graphene quantum dots are a part of the carbon quantum dots family.1 These zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials possess many superior properties, such as low biological toxicity, nanoscale size, stronger photoluminescence , and electrical, and optical properties. GQDs are applied in varied fields of science and technology that include drug delivery, sensors, photodynamic therapy, and solar cells.
Different colored PL is emitted by GQDs, which is dependent on the size, functional groups, layered structure, and synthesis method. The bandgap of GQDs can alter PL, i.e., an increase in bandgap is associated with decreased GQD size. In comparison to other carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene sheets, GQDs exhibit greater PL. It must be noted that the precise PL mechanism of GQDs is not fully understood.
Toxicity and Biocompatibility GQD is chemically inert and exhibits excellent biocompatibility. In vitro experiments have revealed that GQDs are extremely low toxic material, which could be due to their small size and high oxygen content. In vivo experiments using mice models have shown that GQDs do not accumulate in the major organs, and are rapidly excreted through the kidneys. Even high GQD dosage did not show any significant toxic reaction.
The functionalized GQDs have exhibited high specificity and sensitivity in identifying small organic molecules, metal ions, and biomaterials. For instance, GQDs doped with heteroatom are used to detect nitro compounds that have harmful effects on human health and the environment.9 Nitrogen and sulfur-doped GQDs sensors are used to detect nitro explosives, such as 2,4-dinitro toluene , 1,3-dinitro benzene , 1,4-dinitro benzene , and nitrobenzene.
Bio-Imaging Bio-imaging helps understand biological processes at subcellular levels. GQDs, a fluorescent nanomaterial with unique optical properties, are used in bioimaging, particularly for disease diagnosis.13 A protein nanofiber -GQDs nanohybrid has exhibited significant biocompatibility and optical properties and has been used to study cell viability and tumor cells.
Energy Storage Recent studies have highlighted the electrochemical energy storage capacity of GQDs, making them potential candidates for electrode materials.15 These studies have also discussed that incorporating GQDs in graphene using a hydrothermal process significantly increases the performance of supercapacitors. GQDs have also been applied in the development of advanced solar cells.
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