Fluorescence behaviour of supramolecular hybrids containing graphene quantum dots and pyrene-derivatized phthalocyanines and porphyrins

•Pyrene-derivatized zinc and cobalt phthalocyanines and porphyrins were immobilized on graphene quantum dots.•The supramolecular hybrids were formed via the π-π stacking interaction.•The conjugates showed increased fluorescence quantum yields for Pcs/Pc compared to the latter alone.

Novel pyrene-derivatized zinc and cobalt phthalocyanines (Pcs) and porphyrins (Ps) were immobilized on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to form GQDs-Pcs and GQDs-Ps supramolecular hybrids via the π-π stacking interaction method. Spectroscopic evidence shows that the resultant hybrids were stable owing to the strong π-π stacking interaction between the GQDs and the respective Pcs and Ps, thus leading to the fabrication of interesting and functional supramolecular hybrids by taking advantage of the delocalized π electron systems of GQDs and the macrocycles. The conjugates showed increased fluorescence quantum yields for the Pcs/Ps, but decreased values for the GQDs in the conjugates. These novel hybrid materials could potentially be deployed for studies in both fundamental and applied perspectives due to the synergistic contributions resulting from the combination of their excellent electronic and optical properties.

Graphical abstractPyrene-derivatized zinc and cobalt phthalocyanines and porphyrins were immobilized on graphene quantum dots with increased fluorescence quantum yields for the Pcs/Pc, but decreased values for the GQDs in the conjugate.Download high-res image (168KB)Download full-size image