Graphene oxide induced prototropism in different solvents: Enhancement of fluorescence induced by graphene oxide

Abstract

In recent times graphene oxide (GO) has become a laboratory curiosity since it has procured the reputation for its diverse applications. However, in most of the studies it was reported fluorescence quenching induced by GO. Hence, it will be very interesting to show the enhancement of fluorescence induced by GO from fundamental scientific view point. A very little is known whether GO facilitates prototropism in a molecule or not. In this article, not only we report that GO acts both as a quencher and enhancer but also promotes the prototropism of a given fluorophore in various solvents which is not well documented in the literature. The oxygen containing functional groups present on the surface of GO are responsible for promoting the prototropism.