One-pot synthesis of N-doped graphene quantum dots as a fluorescent sensing platform for Fe3+ ions detection

• N-GQDs were synthesized by the one-pot hydrothermal method using citric acid and ammonia.
• The green fluorescence of N-GQDs exhibits by N-doped graphene lattice.
• The fluorescence of N-GQDs was effectively quenched by Fe3+ ions.
• The fluorescent sensor of N-GQDs shows high sensitivity and selectivity to Fe3+ ions.

Herein, a facile bottom–up approach for producing nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) was carried out by the carbonization of citric acid through hydrothermal treatment in the presence of ammonia and a fluorescent sensor for determination of Fe3+ ions has been demonstrated. These synthesized N-GQDs consist mostly of 1–3 layers having a uniform size of about 3.5 nm, and the nitrogen atoms were successfully introduced into the lattice of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Due to the introduction of nitrogen atoms, N-GQDs exhibit a bright green luminescence with a higher quantum yield of 30.7%, whereas GQDs show a blue luminescence with a quantum yield of 4.5%. Furthermore, a novel sensor application of N-GQDs was performed for a fluorescent sensing platform for the detection of Fe3+ ions with high sensitivity and selectivity. These N-GQDs are promising for applications for biosensors, biological imaging and optoelectronic devices.

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