Issue 19, 2023

Graphene quantum dots: synthesis, characterization, and application in wastewater treatment: a review

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are nanoscale particles of graphene, typically having a diameter of less than 20 nm. The unique attributes of GQDs include low toxicity, good solubility, tunable photoluminescence (PL), biocompatibility, and photo-induced electron transfer. GQDs can be produced using hydrothermal reactions, laser ablation, microwave radiation, and electrochemical oxidation. These procedures for producing GQDs involve various chemical reactions, including carbonization, oxidation, pyrolysis, and polymerization. Due to their small particle sizes, GQDs possess strong tunable fluorescent properties and exhibit high photo-luminescence emissions. GQDs have been acknowledged as appropriate for various applications, such as eliminating pollutants and organic dyes through catalysis, absorbing heavy metals, and purifying microbial contamination through filtration. However, challenges encountered during the development of GQDs for environmental applications include generating high-quality QDs and devising large-scale synthetic procedures that ensure reproducible size distribution. A need exists for theoretical and practical research on the development of novel methods that allow high yields and easy purification of GQDs to be achieved. In this article, the characteristics of GQDs in terms of their chemical and physical attributes are analyzed. The raw materials and techniques employed in the manufacturing process of GQDs are also discussed, along with their stability. Additionally, the potential applications of GQDs in treating wastewater are explored.

Graphical abstract: Graphene quantum dots: synthesis, characterization, and application in wastewater treatment: a review

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
06 7 2023
Accepted
07 8 2023
First published
30 8 2023
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 4272-4293

Graphene quantum dots: synthesis, characterization, and application in wastewater treatment: a review

P. Gozali Balkanloo, K. Mohammad Sharifi and A. Poursattar Marjani, Mater. Adv., 2023, 4, 4272 DOI: 10.1039/D3MA00372H

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements