Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are carbon-based zero-dimensional materials that have received considerable scientific interest due to their exceptional optical, electrical, and optoelectrical properties. Their unique electronic band structures, influenced by quantum confinement and edge effects, differentiate the physical and optical characteristics of GQDs from other carbon nanostructures. Additionally, GQDs can be synthesized using various top-down and bottom-up approaches, distinguishing them from other carbon nanomaterials. This review discusses recent advancements in GQD research, focusing on their synthesis and functionalization for potential applications. Particularly, various methods for synthesizing functionalized GQDs using different doping routes are comprehensively reviewed. Based on previous reports, current challenges and future directions for GQDs research are discussed in detail herein.
Keywords: catalysis applications; energy-related applications; graphene quantum dots; hetero-atom doping; opto-electronic applications.
© 2023 The Authors. Small published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.