Sulfur Co-doped Graphene Quantum Research Articles

Nitrogen and Sulfur Co-Doped Graphene-Quantum-Dot-Based Fluorescent Sensor for Rapid Visual Detection of Water Content in Organic Solvents.

Accurate water content detection is crucial for optimizing chemical reactions, ensuring product quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and maintaining food safety. In this study, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (R-GQDs) were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using o-phenylenediamine as the carbon source. The synthesis conditions, including reaction time, temperature, o-phenylenediamine concentration, and H2SO4/water ratio, were optimized using the Box-Behnken response surface methodology. The R-GQDs exhibited excellent fluorescence stability and distinct solvent-dependent characteristics, alongside a broad linear detection range and high sensitivity, making them highly suitable for dual-mode water content detection (colorimetric and fluorescent). To enhance the accuracy of visual detection, R-GQDs were incorporated into portable test strips with smartphone-assisted analysis, compensating for the human eye's limitations in distinguishing subtle color changes. The sensor's practical utility was validated through spiked recovery experiments in food samples, and the R-GQDs demonstrated good biocompatibility for in vivo imaging in shrimp. These findings highlight a novel strategy for developing portable, real-time water content sensors with potential applications in both portable detection systems and biological imaging.

Electrochemiluminescence detection of catechol and tryptophol using nitrogen, sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots based on a paper-based sensor

In this study, Nitrogen and Sulfur co-doped Graphene Quantum Dots (N, S-GQDs) were synthesized via a pyrolysis approach, utilizing citric acid as the carbon source and L-cysteine as the nitrogen and sulfur sources. These N, S-GQDs were used to develop a novel paper-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for the detection of catechol (CC) and tryptophol, two potentially hazardous substances in the environment. Screen printing technology was utilized to construct the ECL sensor on filter paper, incorporating a hydrophobic layer, working and counter electrodes, and a reference electrode. The presence of CC and tryptophol was found to result in a decrease in the ECL intensity of the quantum dots (QDs), this quenching phenomenon is attributed to the oxidation of these substances within the electrochemical system and the subsequent electron transfer from the excited state of the QDs to the oxidation products. The sensor demonstrated a linear detection range for CC and tryptophol from 0.01 to 1000 μM, with detection limits of 0.0082 μM and 0.0066 μM, respectively, and exhibited excellent selectivity, stability, and repeatability. This cost-effective and efficient monitoring technique holds significant promise for environmental and health safety by facilitating the detection of CC and tryptophol, thereby mitigating their potential adverse impacts.

Synthesis of Bone Meal-derived 4-Carboxyphenylboronic Acid Functionalized Sulfur and Nitrogen Co-doped Graphene Quantum Dots Nanoprobe for Sialic Acid Sensing

Detection of sialic acid using advanced sensors in milk-based products is essential in the food industry. Therefore, the present work reports the sulfur and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots from bone meal functionalized with boronic acid (Boro-S/N-dGQDs) nanoprobe for sialic acid sensing applications. Briefly, S/N-dGQDs were functionalized with 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid to improve performance of fluorescent sensors toward the detection of sialic acid. Here, boronic acid surface decoration on S/N-dGQD was confirmed by several spectral characterizations. The addition of different quantities of sialic acid results in a directly proportionate correlation to fluorescence quenching. It gives a broad linear range of 50 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 6.04 ng/mL. Also, it displayed remarkable selectivity, likely due to interaction of sialic acid-containing 1,2-diol with hydroxyl group of Boro-S/N-dGQDs nanoprobe. Designed sensor demonstrated good stability and reproducibility. Real-time analysis of sialic acid in different milk-based products confirmed practicability of Boro-S/N-dGQDs.

Review on Hyaluronic Acid Functionalized Sulfur and Nitrogen Co-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Nano Conjugates for Targeting of Specific Type of Cancer.

Many people lose their lives to cancer each year. The prevalence of illnesses, metabolic disorders, high-risk infections, and other conditions has been greatly slowed down by expanding scientific research. Chemotherapy and radiation are still the initial lines of treatment for cancer patients, along with surgical removal of tumors. Modifications have been made in chemotherapy since medicines frequently have substantial systemic toxicity and poor pharmacokinetics and still do not reach the tumor site at effective concentrations. Chemotherapy may now be administered more safely and effectively thanks to nanotechnology. Nanotechnology-based graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are very applicable in breast cancer detection, as a drug delivery system, and in the treatment of breast cancer because of their physical and chemical properties, lower toxicity, small size, fluorescence, and effective drug delivery. This paper analyzes the GQDs as cutting-edge platforms for biotechnology and nanomedicine also its application in drug delivery in cancer. It shows that GQDs can be effectively conjugated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to achieve efficient and target-specific delivery.

N/S-GQDs/KMnO4 hybrid as a colorimetric and fluorescent dual-signal readout probe for sensitive and selective detection of ascorbic acid

A nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (N/S-GQDs) and permanganate was employed to prepare a N/S-GQDs/KMnO4 dual-signal readout colorimetric and fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of ascorbic acid (AA). In the detection system, the addition of KMnO4 quenched significantly the fluorescence (FL) of N/S-GQDs, meanwhile, the transparent aqueous dispersion of N/S-GQDs changed into yellow–brown with new absorption peak (maximum absorption at 338 nm). Interestingly, introduction of AA into the N/S-GQDs/KMnO4 system could recover the quenched fluorescence and result in a decrease in the absorbance (at 338 nm) of the test solution in a concentration dependent manner, and hence demonstrated the potential practical use of the sensing system for AA detection. Based on various spectroscopic studies, it has been concluded that the static as well as inner filter effect was the main quenching mechanisms in the detection system. The dual-response sensor showed linear response in the concentration range between 0.01 and 30 µM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 8.3 nM and 100 nM, respectively, for the fluorescent and colorimetric detections. In addition, the proposed detection system has been successfully applied to the detection of AA in vitamin C tablets. Moreover, the proposed detection strategy is convenient and fast, prevents complex and tedious probe preparation procedure, and capable of visual detection of AA.

Highly sensitive fluorescent probe for mesotrione based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots

Highly sensitive fluorescent probe for mesotrione based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots

Composites of Gold Nanostars and Nitrogen- and Sulfur-Codoped Graphene Quantum Dots as Plasmon-Enhanced Immunosensors for Cancer Prognosis

Composites of Gold Nanostars and Nitrogen- and Sulfur-Codoped Graphene Quantum Dots as Plasmon-Enhanced Immunosensors for Cancer Prognosis

Efficient photoelectrochemical aptasensing of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in environmental samples based on N, S co-doped graphene quantum dots/TiO2 nanorods

An efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform was developed for detection of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots/TiO2 nanorods (N, S-GQDs/TiO2 NRs) coupling with exonuclease I (Exo I)-assisted target recycling for remarkable signal amplification. N, S-GQDs uniformly grown on TiO2 NRs by simple hydrothermal method showed high electron-hole separation efficiency and superior photoelectric performance, which was explored as the photoactive substrate for anchoring anti-DEHP aptamer and its complementary DNA (cDNA). With the addition of DEHP, aptamer molecules fell from the electrode surface owing to the specific recognition of aptamer to DEHP, resulting in the increment of photocurrent signal. At this moment, Exo I could stimulate aptamer hydrolysis in the aptamer-DEHP complexes, so that DEHP was released from the complexes to take part in the next reaction cycling, which remarkably increasing the photocurrent response and achieving signal amplification. The designed PEC sensing platform exhibited excellent analytical performance for DEHP with a low detection limit of 0.1 pg L−1. Also, its applications in real samples were further investigated in detail. Thus, the established method would provide a simple and efficient tool for DEHP or other pollutants monitoring in the environment.

Determination of trace amount of iron cations using electrochemical methods at N, S doped GQD modified electrode

In this work, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dot-modified glassy carbon electrodes (N, S-GQD/GCE) were used for the recognition of iron cations in aqueous solutions. The dissolved cations are detected based on the faradaic reduction or oxidation current of Fe(III) and Fe(II) obtained at the N, S-GQD/GCE surface. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and hydrodynamic amperometry are used as suitable electrochemical techniques for studying electrochemical behavior and determination of Fe cations. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the presence of free electrons in the structure of N, S-GQD could facilitate electron transfer reaction between Fe(III) and electrode surface which with increased surface area results in increased sensitivity and lower limit of detection. By performing suitable experiments, the best condition for preparing the modified electrode and determining Fe(III) was selected. Under optimized conditions, the amperometric response is linear from 1 to 100 nM of Fe(III) with a detection limit of 0.23 nM. The validity of the method and applicability of the sensor is successfully tested by the determination of Fe(III) in drug and water real samples. This sensor opened a new platform based on doped nanoparticles for highly sensitive and selective detection of analytes.

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dot-modified electrode for monitoring of multivitamins in energy drinks

A glassy carbon electrode was modified with nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots immobilized in chitosan for the monitoring of multivitamins. The graphene quantum dots were synthesized using a simple citric acid/l-cysteine pyrolysis procedure. The co-doping with nitrogen and sulfur in the graphene matrix was confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. Electron microscopy results showed that the synthesized quantum dots had a diameter of 3.4 ± 1.4 nm. Electrochemical techniques showed excellent current responses to vitamin oxidation provided by the modified electrode compared to the bare electrode. The parameters of square wave voltammetry were optimized in order to obtain the best current responses and to study the electrochemical oxidation of vitamins. The calibration plots for vitamins B2, B6 and B12 were constructed in 0.1 mol L−1 sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) with limits of detection of 0.30, 30.1 and 0.32 nmol L−1, respectively. Lastly, the modified electrode was effectively implemented in the quantification of vitamins in classic and fruit-based energy drink samples.

Highly sensitive and selective detection of dopamine with boron and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots

In this work, we report, the synthesis of Boron and Sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (BS-GQDs) and its applicability as a label-free fluorescence sensing probe for the highly sensitive and selective detection of dopamine (DA). Upon addition of DA, the fluorescence intensity of BS-GQDs were effectively quenched over a wide concentration range of DA (0–340 μM) with an ultra-low detection limit of 3.6 μM. The quenching mechanism involved photoinduced electron transfer process from BS-GQDs to dopamine-quinone, produced by the oxidization of DA under alkaline conditions. The proposed sensing mechanism was probed using a detailed study of UV–Vis absorbance, steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The high selectivity of the fluorescent sensor towards DA is established. Our study opens up the possibility of designing a low-cost biosensor which will be suitable for detecting DA in real samples.

Nitrogen and Sulfur Co-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Anchored TiO2 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Herein, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) co-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) using different one-dimensional (1-D) carbon nanomaterials as precursors were synthesized, followed by heterojunction formation with TiO2. GQDs exhibit unlike physiochemical properties due to the disproportionate ratio of N and S heteroatoms and dissimilar reaction parameters. Tailored type-II band gap (Eg) alignment was formed with narrowed Eg value that improves photogenerated electron transfer due to π-conjugation. GQDs-TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit remarkably high methylene blue (MB) degradation up to 99.78% with 2.3–3 times elevated rate constants as compared with TiO2. CNF-GQDs-TiO2 demonstrates the fastest MB degradation (60 min) due to the synergistic effect of nitrogen and sulfur doping, and is considered the most stable photocatalyst among prepared nanocomposites as tested up to three cyclic runs. Whereas, C–O–Ti bonds were not only responsible for nanocomposites strengthening but also provide a charge transfer pathway. Moreover, charge transport behavior, generation of active species, and reaction mechanism were scrutinized via free-radical scavenger analysis.

A High-Luminescence Biomimetic Nanosensor Based on N, S-GQDs-Embedded Zinc-Based Metal-Organic Framework@Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Sensitive Detection of Octopamine in Fermented Foods.

In this study, a novel fluorescent molecularly imprinted nanosensor (N, S-GQDs@ZIF-8@MIP) based on the nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots decorated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 was constructed for the detection of octopamine (OA). Herein, ZIF-8 with a large surface area was introduced as a supporter of the sensing system, which effectively shortened the response time of the sensor. Meanwhile, high green luminescent N, S-GQDs and a maximum emission wavelength of 520 nm under 460 nm excitation and a 12.5% quantum yield were modified on the surface of ZIF-8 as a signal tag that can convert the interactions between the sensor and OA into detectable fluorescent signals. Finally, N, S-GQDs@ZIF-8@MIP was acquired through the surface molecular imprinting method. Due to the synergy of N, S-GQDs, ZIF-8, and MIP, the obtained sensor not only demonstrated higher selectivity and sensitivity than N, S-GQDs@ZIF-8@NIP, but also displayed faster fluorescence response than N, S-GQDs@MIP. Under optimal conditions, the developed sensor presented a favorable linear relationship in the range of 0.1–10 mg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.062 mg L−1. Additionally, the proposed N, S-GQDs@ZIF-8@MIP strategy was effectively applied to the detection of OA in fermented samples, and the obtained results had a satisfactory correlation with those of HPLC.

Highly Efficient Sulfur and Nitrogen Codoped Graphene Quantum Dots as a Metal-Free Green Photocatalyst for Photocatalysis and Fluorescent Ink Applications.

The demand for modern organic pollutant treatment has prompted the development of environmentally acceptable photocatalytic processes. In this work, we report novel nitrogen and sulfur codoped graphene quantum dot (S,N-GQD) based photocatalysts and fluorescent ink for the first time. For the degradation of organic dyes under visible irradiation, a hydrothermal technique was employed to generate S,N-GQD green nanomaterials. The synthesized samples were examined using XRD, HR-TEM, EDX, FT-IR, PL, and UV–vis spectroscopy. UV-DRS was used to determine the energy band gap of S,N-GQDs, and it was obtained to be around ∼2.54 eV. To explore the catalytic behavior of the produced S,N-GQDs as green nanomaterials, organic dyes (i.e., crystal violet and Alizarin yellow) have been used as a reference dye in this study. Using several radical scavenging agents, the photocatalytic mechanism was examined. This novel photocatalyst offers a promising alternative for the breakdown of organic pollutants. Moreover, these S,N-GQDs can also be used as fluorescent ink for imaging purposes and security reasons.

Preparation of concentration dependent nitrogen sulfur Co-doped graphene quantum dots by UV irradiation and reversible optical switch of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (N, S-GQDs) are prepared by using o-phenylendiamine and catechol as raw materials under UV irradiation in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution for 2 h. The resultant N, S-GQDs show uniform size, good crystallinity and fluorescence stability. The tunable polychromatic luminescence is obtained by adjusting the concentration of N, S-GQDs. Then, N, S-GQDs/HPMC composite material is designed and synthesized, which exhibits light responsive optical switching performance owing to micro-aggregation efficacy of N, S-GQDs to transform light into heat and drive the phase transition of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). Therefore, the prepared N, S-GQDs/HPMC with excellent solar modulation ability can easily switch between opaque and transparent states depending on weather condition. In the end, the thermoresponsive property of N, S-GQDs/HPMC endows it with good performance as functional materials matrix.

Promising photodynamic antimicrobial activity of polyimine substituted zinc phthalocyanine and its polycationic derivative when conjugated to nitrogen, sulfur, co-doped graphene quantum dots against Staphylococcus aureus

Antimicrobial resistance is a most important problem facing the treatment of infectious diseases. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is an alternative treatment strategy, considered to be cost-effective and feasible. For this purpose, octa-imine substituted ZnPc (3) have been prepared and conjugated to nitrogen, sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (N,S-GQDs) through π-π stacking. The photophysical and photochemical properties of Pc alone and and Pc-conjugated to the GQD nanomaterial such as absorption, fluorescence, fluorescence life time, singlet oxygen quantum yields, triplet state quantum yields and exited state lifetimes were investigated in solutions before in vitro cell studies. The PACT activity of prepared structures was investigated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus). Our results suggest that the in the case of conjugation of zinc Pc to N,S-GQDs, photodynamic inactivation increased with the 100 % reduction percentage

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots/nanocellulose nanohybrid for electrochemical sensing of anti-schizophrenic drug olanzapine in pharmaceuticals and human biological fluids

A nanohybrid prepared from green source (nanocellulose, NC) and nitrogen, sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (N, S@GQDs) was prepared for the electrochemical detection of olanzapine (OLZ), atypical antipsychotic primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Polar groups on the surface of NC and N, S@GQDs provide more anchoring sites for adsorption of OLZ onto the electrode surface. In addition, it provides high conductivity, good mechanical strength, large surface area, and excellent electrical conductivity. The nanocomposite was characterized morphologically and electrochemically by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV). Under the optimized conditions, the modified electrode has a good response in the range of 1.5–90.0 × 10−8 M with LOD of 0.5 × 10−8 M. The proposed electrode offers high sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability towards OLZ detection. The SWAdSV was used to determine OLZ in pharmaceutical tablets, human plasma and urine with good recoveries % and reasonable RSD% values.

The synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots for fluorescence detection of cobalt(ii) ions in water

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescence sensor using N,S-GQDs for the detection of Co2+within 3 minutes.

Electrochemical synthesis of phosphorus and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots as efficient electrochemiluminescent immunomarkers for monitoring okadaic acid

In this study, water-dispersed, uniform-sized phosphorus and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (P, S-GQDs) were prepared by the one-step electrolysis of a graphite rod in an alkaline solution containing sodium phytate and sodium sulfide. Compared with GQDs and mono-doped GQDs (P-GQDs and S-GQDs), the P, S-GQDs dramatically improved the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) performance. Therefore, they were used as bright ECL signaling markers through conjugation with a monoclonal antibody against okadaic acid (anti-OA-MAb). Moreover, as an effective matrix for OA immobilization, the carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes-poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride-Au nanocluster (CMCNT-PDDA-AuNCs) composite promoted electron transfer and enlarged the surface area. Owing to the multiple amplifications, a competitive indirect ECL immunosensor for highly sensitive quantitation of OA has been developed. Under the optimized conditions, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the immunosensor was 0.25 ng mL−1, and its linear range was 0.01–20 ng mL−1 with a low detection limit of 0.005 ng mL−1. Finally, the proposed ECL sensor was successfully utilized to detect OA contents in mussel samples. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the designation of ECL luminophores and expands application of co-doped GQDs in fabrication of ECL immunosensors for shellfish toxin determination.

Sulfur and phosphorus co-doped graphene quantum dots for fluorescent monitoring of nitrite in pickles.

Doping graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with heteroatoms can change their band gap and electronic density, thus enhancing their fluorescence quantum yield (QY). In this work, we for the first time reported a nontoxic, rapid, and one-pot hydrothermal method to synthesize sulfur and phosphorus co-doped GQDs (S, P-GQDs). Citric acid was functioned as a carbon source, whereas sodium phytate and anhydrous sodium sulfate are used as the P and S sources, respectively, in this bottom-up synthesis. The resulting S, P-GQDs exhibit high heteroatomic doping ratios of 9.66 at.% for S and 3.34 at.% for P, and higher QY than those obtained from monoatomic doped GQDs. Additionally, the as-prepared S, P-GQDs exhibit excitation-dependent behavior, pH sensitivity between 8.0 and 13.0, high tolerance of ionic strength. More importantly, the as-synthesized S, P-GQDs show a sensitive and selective behavior for sensing nitrite (NO2-) in the concentration range of 0.7-9 μmol/L, and the detection limit was as low as 0.3 μmol/L. Additionally, the S, P-GQDs was successfully used in detecting NO2- in pickled foods, showing their promise for potential applications in realistic analysis.