CHAPTER 7: Synthesis and Applications of Graphene Quantum Dots

Owing to their unique fluorescence properties, graphene quantum dots (GQDs), the new zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, have intrigued many research interests due to their quantum confinement and edge effects. In addition to luminescence properties, GQDs also possess some of the special properties of graphene, since their structures are mostly similar, consisting of hybridized sp² carbon. As a result, GQDs can cover a wide variety of possible applications in many fields, including medical, sensing, light-emitting diodes, catalysis, and energy-related fields. Similarly to other nanomaterials, synthesis methods based on top–down or bottom–up approaches are available, with each having their advantages and disadvantages. In this chapter, we will summarize and discuss the current synthesis methods and applications of GQDs.