Sustainable GQDs for potential application in engineering using corn powder as green precursor

Abstract

An alternative way to produce Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) economically is proposed in this study where corn powder was used as a green precursor to fabricate GQDs in a hassle less one-step route. These GQDs showed a stable, size-dependent in aqueous solution. The size of GQDs obtained from this work is approximately measure from 0.21 to 5.20?nm. The XRD patterns showed a broad peak at 22?Å. Furthermore, the UV-vis absorption spectrum has a broad peak around the range of 250–350?nm which is ascribed to the typical absorption of n-π* transition of the carbonyl groups. The said sample also exhibited bright green photoluminescence under an UV light. The Raman spectra displayed a D band around 1375?cm^?1 and G band around 1578?cm^?1. The performed analysis confirms that the GQDs by this method has a similar result compared to the other methods. This suggests that corn powder as a precursor can be used to fabricate GQDs in a simplistic and environment-friendly way for potential application in sensors, very large scale integration and energy generation technology.