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Coal as an abundant source of graphene quantum dots

Author

Listed:
  • Ruquan Ye

    (Rice University)

  • Changsheng Xiang

    (Rice University)

  • Jian Lin

    (Rice University)

  • Zhiwei Peng

    (Rice University)

  • Kewei Huang

    (Rice University)

  • Zheng Yan

    (Rice University)

  • Nathan P. Cook

    (Rice University)

  • Errol L.G. Samuel

    (Rice University)

  • Chih-Chau Hwang

    (Rice University)

  • Gedeng Ruan

    (Rice University)

  • Gabriel Ceriotti

    (Rice University)

  • Abdul-Rahman O. Raji

    (Rice University)

  • Angel A. Martí

    (Rice University
    Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Rice University)

  • James M. Tour

    (Rice University
    Rice University
    Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Rice University)

Abstract

Coal is the most abundant and readily combustible energy resource being used worldwide. However, its structural characteristic creates a perception that coal is only useful for producing energy via burning. Here we report a facile approach to synthesize tunable graphene quantum dots from various types of coal, and establish that the unique coal structure has an advantage over pure sp2-carbon allotropes for producing quantum dots. The crystalline carbon within the coal structure is easier to oxidatively displace than when pure sp2-carbon structures are used, resulting in nanometre-sized graphene quantum dots with amorphous carbon addends on the edges. The synthesized graphene quantum dots, produced in up to 20% isolated yield from coal, are soluble and fluorescent in aqueous solution, providing promise for applications in areas such as bioimaging, biomedicine, photovoltaics and optoelectronics, in addition to being inexpensive additives for structural composites.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruquan Ye & Changsheng Xiang & Jian Lin & Zhiwei Peng & Kewei Huang & Zheng Yan & Nathan P. Cook & Errol L.G. Samuel & Chih-Chau Hwang & Gedeng Ruan & Gabriel Ceriotti & Abdul-Rahman O. Raji & Angel A, 2013. "Coal as an abundant source of graphene quantum dots," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3943
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3943
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    Cited by:

    1. Kumar, Pradip & Dhand, Chetna & Dwivedi, Neeraj & Singh, Shiv & Khan, Raju & Verma, Sarika & Singh, Archana & Gupta, Manoj Kumar & Kumar, Surender & Kumar, Rajeev & Srivastava, Avanish Kumar, 2022. "Graphene quantum dots: A contemporary perspective on scope, opportunities, and sustainability," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    2. Hodgkinson, Jane H. & Smith, Michael H., 2021. "Climate change and sustainability as drivers for the next mining and metals boom: The need for climate-smart mining and recycling," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).

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