The fragmentation of fullerenes using ions, surface collisions or thermal effects is a complex process that typically leads to the formation of small carbon clusters of variable size. Here, we show that geometrically well-defined graphene quantum dots can be synthesized on a ruthenium surface using C(60) molecules as a precursor. Scanning tunnelling microscopy imaging, supported by density func...

Upconversion fluorescence has been frequently cited as an important feature in carbon nanodots (CNDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs); and some mechanisms and potential applications have been proposed. Contrary to such a general belief, we demonstrate in this report no observable upconversion fluorescence based on five different synthesized CNDs and GQDs. We confirm that the so-called upconver...

A novel report on microwave assisted synthesis of bright carbon dots (C-dots) using gum arabic (GA) and its use as molecular vehicle to ferry ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, a broad spectrum antibiotic, is reported in the present work. Density gradient centrifugation (DGC) was used to separate different types of C-dots. After careful analysis of the fractions obtained after centrifugation, ciprofl...

Highly luminescent graphitic carbon quantum dots (GQDs) are synthesized employing reverse micelles as nanoreactors. This method offers size tunability and narrow size distribution without any unpractical size separation process. Also, high quantum yields of maximum 35% at the 360 nm excitation wavelength are achieved.

We have engineered the use of 2D, 1D and 0D carbon allotropes as spacers to achieve in excess of 1000-fold fluorescence enhancements in a Surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) platform. We also have demonstrated the femtomolar sensitivity of silver decorated carbon dots (AgCD) in the detection of a radiating dipole.

Analytical applications of nanomaterials used in electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based detection methods are reviewed. Among nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene), metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, inorganic metal complexes and conducting polymers are considered. The most common mechanisms of ECL detections are also described in this review. Finally, challenges ...

An all-carbon hybrid, composed of coal-based nitrogen-doped carbon dots decorated on graphene, was prepared via hydrothermal treatment. The hybrid possesses comparable electrocatalytic activity, better durability and methanol tolerance than those of the commercial Pt-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction, indicative of its great potential in fuel cells.

The electron transport in single-wall carbon nanotubes is one-dimensional and ballistic. Typically carbon nanotubes form tunneling contacts to electrodes and behave as quantum dots at low temperatures. We report on experiments on carbon nanotubes contacted with ferromagnetic metal. In these devices strong hysteretic magnetoresistance is observed at low temperatures. A possible interpretation of...

The scope of this thesis is the coherence of spins in carbon-based nanodevices. The motivation for this study are the promising spin-related properties of carbon-based materials, such as weak spin-orbit and hyperfine interaction, which are advantageous for achieving long spin coherence times. In addition, carbon based materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes have a low mass density and h...