1–3 nm nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots with quantum yield of 0.74 are synthesized via cutting graphene oxide and in situ doping. The size is determined by the remaining graphitic domains of precursor. The doping mechanism is illustrated, and the dominant photoluminescence factor is experimentally confirmed to be the n–π* transition between the lattice‐doped nitrogen and the conjugate structure of graphene.
A new
reversible fluorescent switch for the detection of oxidative hydroxyl
radical (•OH) and reductive glutathione (GSH) was
designed based on the use of selenium doped graphene quantum dots
(Se-GQDs). The Se-GQDs have a thickness of 1–3 atomic layers,
a lateral size of 1–5 nm, a quantum yield of 0.29, and a photoluminescence
lifetime of 3.44 ns, which ensured a high selectivity and stability
for the fluorescent switch. The fluorescence of Se-GQDs was reversibly
quenched and recovered by •OH and GSH, respectively,
because of the reversible oxidation of C–Se groups and reduction
of Se–Se groups. This brand-new GQD-based fluorescent switch
gave a rapid response when tested in both aqueous solutions and living
HeLa cells. In particular, the detection limit for •OH was only 0.3 nM, which was much lower than that in switches made
from organic dyes.
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