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Graphene Quantum Dots with High Quantum Yield, Cleantech (No Metal) Manufacturing

Technology Benefits

Quantum yield of up to 55% in visible spectrumTune emission wavelength from individual GQD's by shifting excitation wavelengthEmissions in multiple wavelenghts, including visible and near infrared (NIR)NIR emissions enable detection of GQD fluorescence through body tissueManufacture using glutamic acid, other amino acids, or sugars instead of graphiteSynthesis is simple, fast, inexpensive, and scalableManufacturing is a single step as compared with multi-step process using graphiteEnvironmentally friendly process, no cadmium or other heavy metalsGQDs are water soluble, can be dried and resuspended without agglomeration

Technology Application

DisplaysBioimaging, in vitro and in vivo, using either visible or NIR spectraBiosensing in vitroResearch use, e.g. for enzyme-free catalysis of H2O2 to waterElectroluminescent and printable fluorescent inks

Detailed Technology Description

The GQD manufacturing is very straightforward and scalable. GQDs are produced by heating glutamic acid or other starting materials (hydrophilic amino acids, sugars, and organic acids) to its boiling temperature for about 45 seconds (until color changes from clear to yellow), and then adding water. GQD's form upon addition of the water, and are ready for use when centrifuged. They can be used wet or dry, and are easily resuspended from powder.

*Abstract

The University of North Dakota has developed an inexpensive, scalable, and cleantech method to manufacture graphene quantum dots (GQDs) that uses amino acids or sugars as basic raw materials. No cadmium or other metals are used. Resulting GQDs have quantum yield of up to 55%, are water soluble, have "tunable" emission wavelengths, and can absorb and emit in both visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Steve Wu

Department:

Name: Julia Zhao

Department:

Country/Region

USA