Fluorescent Sensing Applications of Graphene Quantum Dots
Summary
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are nanoscale fragments of graphene, typically below 10 nm, whose discrete electronic states confer strong, tunable photoluminescence and exceptional surface reactivity. Their high quantum yield, water solubility and biocompatibility have positioned them as versatile fluorescent probes in chemical and biological sensing. By exploiting mechanisms such as fluorescence quenching, energy transfer and inner filter effects, GQDs can detect metal ions, small organic molecules and biomacromolecules with high sensitivity and selectivity. Heteroatom doping (for example with N, S, B or P) further tailors emission wavelengths and enhances sensor performance. Advances in green synthesis—from biomass precursors to acid-free processes—have broadened practical implementation. Recent work has demonstrated field-deployable sensors for heavy metal monitoring in water, rapid detection of biomolecules for clinical diagnostics and integration into molecularly imprinted polymers and metal–organic frameworks for enhanced selectivity. The global push towards affordable, portable and eco-friendly sensors continues to drive innovation in GQD design, surface engineering and device integration for real-world applications.
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Fluorescent Sensing Applications of Graphene Quantum Dots publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in fluorescent sensing applications of graphene quantum dots across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs): Zero-dimensional fragments of graphene with lateral dimensions below 10 nm, whose quantum confinement yields size-dependent optical properties.
Photoluminescence: Emission of photons from a material following absorption of light, central to GQD fluorescence sensing.
Fluorescence quenching: Reduction in fluorescence intensity due to interactions with quenchers via static or dynamic mechanisms.
Quantum yield: Efficiency of fluorescence, defined as the ratio of emitted to absorbed photons.
Inner filter effect (IFE): Attenuation of excitation or emission light by absorbing species, influencing observed fluorescence intensity.
Heteroatom doping: Incorporation of non-carbon atoms (for example N, S or B) into the GQD lattice to modulate electronic structure and enhance sensing performance.
References
- Recent advances in heteroatom-doped graphene quantum dots for sensing applications. RSC Advances (2021).
- Eco-Friendly Sustainable Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots from Biowaste as a Highly Selective Sensor. Nanomaterials (2022).
- Preparation and Characterization of Photoluminescent Graphene Quantum Dots from Watermelon Rind Waste for the Detection of Ferric Ions and Cellular Bio-Imaging Applications. Nanomaterials (2022).
- Precise Blood Glucose Sensing by Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dots for Tight Control of Diabetes. Journal of Sensors (2021).
- A High-Luminescence Biomimetic Nanosensor Based on N, S-GQDs-Embedded Zinc-Based Metal–Organic Framework@Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Sensitive Detection of Octopamine in Fermented Foods. Foods (2022).
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