Room-temperature synthesis of graphene quantum dots via electron-beam irradiation and their application in cell imaging

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2017-02, Vol.309, p.374-380
• Main Authors: Wang, Liang, Li, Weitao, Wu, Bin, Li, Zhen, Pan, Dengyu, Wu, Minghong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioimaging; Electron-beam irradiation; Fluorescent probe; Graphene quantum dots
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2016.10.022

[Display omitted] •The GQDs were synthesized at room temperature based on electron-beam irradiation.•The GQDs exhibited highly efficient fluorescence with a quantum yield of 32%.•The possible formation mechanism of GQDs was demonstrated.•The GQDs as a safety fluorescent probe were applied for bright cell imaging. We report a room-temperature strategy for the synthesis of single-crystalline fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) via electron-beam irradiation. The precursor contained high-activity nitro groups is easy to fusion GQDs with the method. Under optimized conditions (0.02g 1,3,6-trinitropyrene, radiation dose of 400kGy and 10ml 0.5mol/L hydrazine hydrate), the GQDs exhibit highly efficient fluorescence at 475 nm with a quantum yield of 32%. The PL maximum is well corresponded with the excitation wavelength. Moreover, the single-exponential fluorescence lifetime (4.86ns) exhibited the intrinsic PL characteristic. The pH stability in neutral and alkaline solution, solid solubility and storage time stability of GQDs are satisfactory. Their application as a safety fluorescent probe for cell imaging is demonstrated.