title: Large-Scale and Controllable Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots from Rice Husk Biomass: A Comprehensive Utilization Strategy.
abstract: In this work, rice husk biomass was utilized as an abundant source to controllably prepare high-quality graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with a yield of ca. 15 wt %. The size, morphology, and structure of the rice-husk-derived GQDs were determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The as-fabricated GQDs can be stably dispersed in water, exhibiting bright and tunable photoluminescence. A cell viability test further confirmed that the GQDs possess excellent biocompatibility, and they can be easily adopted for cell imaging via a facile translocation into the cytoplasm. It is worth noting that mesoporous silica nanoparticles were also synthesized as a byproduct during the fabrication of GQDs. As such, our strategy achieves a comprehensive utilization of rice husks, exhibiting tremendous benefits on both the economy and environment.
authors.forename: Zhaofeng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jingfang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology , Guangzhou 510006, China.
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Na
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yanyan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yuhua
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer & Energy Conservation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology , Guangzhou, Guangdong 510640, China.
authors.forename: Weixing
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yezhou
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Lichun
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Shanka
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dissanayake
authors.forename: Steven L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Suib
authors.forename: Luyi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D018533:Biomass; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006108:Graphite / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D049449:Luminescence; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D012275:Oryza / Q000737:chemistry; D045663:Quantum Dots / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D014867:Water; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D006108:Graphite
keywords: biocompatibility; cell imaging; comprehensive utilization; graphene quantum dots; rice husks