Luminescent graphene quantum dots from oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Fluorescent nano-graphene quantum dots (GQD) were isolated from oxidized carbon nanotube suspension with the aid of cysteamine. The oxidized GQD were thiol functionalized with cysteamine in presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as coupling agent. The GQD chemistry and morphology were characterized by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The thiolated graphene quantum dots exhibit an intense luminescence (quantum yield around 10%) in the visible range with an excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescence.

► Multi-wall carbon nanotubes were oxidized by strong acids.
► Graphene quantum dots were isolated from carbon nanotubes.
► Graphene quantum dots were thiol functionalized by cysteamine.
► Graphene quantum dots exhibit an intense luminescence in the visible.