Luminescent graphene quantum dots as new fluorescent materials for environmental and biological applications

Luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted tremendous attention from the scientists in chemistry, materials science, physics and biology, because of their superiority of good stability, excellent optical and electrochemical properties, resistance to photobleaching and low cytotoxicity. We summarize the recent advances in the preparation and the properties of GQDs and their applications in environmental and biological areas. In addition, we discuss the future development of GQDs.