A review on graphene quantum dots and their nanocomposites: from laboratory synthesis towards agricultural and environmental applications

Author(s)

Facure, Murilo H. M. ^{[1, 2]} ; Schneider, Rodrigo ^{[1, 2]} ; Mercante, Luiza A. ^[3] ; Correa, Daniel S. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Embrapa Instrumentacao, Nanotechnol Natl Lab Agr LNNA, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, PPGQ, Dept Chem, Ctr Exact Sci & Technol, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Bahia, Chem Inst, Salvador, Ba - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO; v. 7, n. 12, p. 3710-3734, DEC 1 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are 0D materials belonging to the carbon-based family that present some interesting characteristics of graphene combined with a tunable bandgap emerging from their reduced size, which gives them final outstanding physical-chemical properties. Furthermore, GQDs can be combined with other materials to produce nanocomposites with remarkable properties and superior performance. In this review, we present a timely survey on how the structural characteristics and physical-chemical properties of GQDs enable their use in advanced composite materials for agricultural and environmental applications. Specifically, emphasis is given to GQD-based composites in the form of films, nanofibers, aerogels, and molecularly imprinted polymers. The unique properties of GQD nanocomposites are suitable for designing devices employed in: i) filtration membranes and adsorbent materials for contaminant removal; ii) optical devices and (bio)sensors with different transduction modes for detecting hazardous analytes including pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics, and food contaminants; iii) and novel catalyst systems for degrading pollutants. Finally, current challenges and future prospects on industrial applications of GQD-based composites are also discussed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/10582-8 - Production and characterization of graphene quantum dots and their application in chemical sensors
• Grantee: Murilo Henrique Moreira Facure
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/12174-4 - Development of hybrid polymer nanofibers for agricultural applications
• Grantee: Daniel Souza Corrêa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/18468-2 - Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) nanostructures syntheses methodologies and evaluation of their potential application in pollutants adsorption systems
• Grantee: Rodrigo Schneider
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate