Simple and eco-friendly solvothermal synthesis of luminescent reduced graphene oxide small sheets

The luminescent reduced graphene oxide small sheets (average diameter: 30–50 nm) are prepared by using a simple and eco-friendly solvothermal process, and show an obvious excitation-dependent PL emission as the excitation wavelength varies from 300 to 500 nm. In particular, under excitation at 340 nm, a strongest blue emission occurs, whose quantum yield reaches ca. 3.2% as Rhodamine B is used as a reference. This offers a simple pathway to prepare the luminescent reduced graphene oxide small sheets. Furthermore, the emission exhibits a good resistance to the change of pH for the surroundings, which could be beneficial to the practical applications in the field of optoelectronics, and molecule detection.

Under the UV light illumination, the RGO SSs in EG solution exhibits a strong blue emission, and an obvious excitation-dependent PL emission behavior. Furthermore, the emission from RGO SSs shows a good resistance to the change of pH values for the surroundings.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We have developed a facile and green route to synthesize the luminescent RGO SSs.
► The RGO SSs show a strong blue emission, where the quantum yield reaches ca. 3.2%.
► HRTEM image of RGO SSs (30–50 nm) shows the interesting fingerprint-like structure.
► The emission of RGO SSs shows a good resistance to the change of pH values.