Review of research of nanocomposites based on graphene quantum dots

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) belong to the vast and versatile family of carbon nanomaterials. Their unique position amongst versatile carbon nanoparticles (NPs) originates from the properties of quantum confinement and edge effects. GQDs are similar to conventional semiconductor QDs due to their tunable band gaps and high photoluminescence activity. However, GQDs have superior characteristics due to their excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, good water dispersibility, large optical absorptivity, high fluorescence activity and photostability. These properties have generated significant interest in GQDs applications in various fields: nanosensor fabrication, drug delivery, photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and photodynamic therapy. Numerous GQD-based nanocomposites/nanohybrides have been synthesized and/or studied computationally. This review focuses on recent computational studies of various GQD-based nanocomposites/nanohybrides and systems which can be related to them.