Graphene quantum dots: synthesis, properties, and applications to the development of optical and electrochemical sensors for chemical sensing

GQDs exhibits exceptional electrochemical activity owing to their active edge sites that make them very attractive for biosensing applications. However, their use in the design of new biosensing devices for application to the detection and quantification of toxins, pathogens, and clinical biomarkers has so far not investigated in detail. In this regard, herein we provide a detailed review on various methodologies employed for the synthesis of GQDs, including bottom-up and top-down approaches, with a special focus on their applications in biosensing via fluorescence, photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, electrochemiluminescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and electrochemical techniques. We believe that this review will shed light on the critical issues and widen the applications of GQDs for the design of biosensors with improved analytical response for future applications.

Automated summary

This article provides a detailed review on the synthesis methods of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and their applications in biosensing, including fluorescence, photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, electrochemiluminescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and electrochemical techniques. The review sheds light on critical issues and widens the potential applications of GQDs for improved analytical response in future biosensor designs.