UV-assisted production of ferromagnetic graphitic quantum dots from graphite

Graphitic quantum dots (GQDs) are synthesized from natural graphite powder. This process involves a few steps such as oxidation, reduction and filtration to obtain the precursor to prepare GQDs. Finally, a combination of UV irradiation and sonication is used to produce GQDs. These quantum dots are further investigated by various characterization techniques. They exhibit blue luminescence and ferromagnetic behavior. The ferromagnetic nature of the GQDs is discussed and explained. Based on the experimental data obtained and theoretical models available in literature, a possible mechanism for the formation of GQDs is proposed. Their properties, including the production yield can be tuned by simply changing the synthesis parameters. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.