Papers

Case Report: Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots Through Electrochemical Exfoliation and Their Potential for Biomedical Use

D. Manousakis, M.-A. Gatou, N. Lagopati, E.A. Pavlatou

Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 47 (2), 38305-38308 

Carbon quantum dots are a new class of zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials that due to their low toxicity, high water dispersibility and fluorescent properties, have attracted a lot of attention for biomedical applications. They can be synthesized with many different methods through both bottom-up and top-down approaches. In this mini review we summarize the existing literature regarding the electrochemical exfoliation of pure graphite that produces nanostructures of diameter smaller than 10 nm. We focus on the electrolytes that are used and the voltage applied, as the main factors that contribute on the size, structure, composition and yield of the carbon quantum dots. In order to explain the findings of the literature, we briefly analyze the mechanism of the graphite exfoliation from the ions, under applied voltage. Furthermore, we report on the many advantages that the electrochemical approach has over competing methodologies, that make it an attractive method for mass production of carbon quantum dots, with the intention to be used in biomedical applications.

doi: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.47.007479

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