Multifunctional N-doped graphene quantum dots towards tetracycline detection, temperature sensing and high-performance WLEDs

In this work, nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) with high blue fluorescence are synthesized by the one-pot hydrothermal method from benzimidazoles. The as-fabricated N-GQDs possess a homogeneous size of 3.8 nm, good crystallinity, pip photostability, good water soluble, and a high quantum yield of about 25 %. In addition, it is found that the fluorescence of N-GQDs can be obviously quenched by tetracycline (TC) and elevated temperature. The detection of TC is implemented, with a detection limit of 0.21 mu mol L-1. For the temperature sensing, the fluorescence intensity shows a linear reduction between 25 degrees C and 100 degrees C. Moreover, reversible and stable abilities of temperature sensing are demonstrated. Owing to the superior optoelectronic properties, white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) using the N-GQDs as the phosphor are fabricated, and the CIE coordinates is (0.357, 0.315) with the color temperature of 4427 K. The results reported here will expand the multiple applications of N-GQDs in environment monitoring, biosensing engineering and optoelectronic devices.

Automated summary

In this study, nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) with high blue fluorescence were synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method. The N-GQDs show promising potential for detecting tetracycline and sensing temperature, as well as for application in white light emitting diodes (WLEDs). The results reported here expand the possible applications of N-GQDs in environment monitoring, biosensing engineering and optoelectronic devices.