Publication

Engineering graphene quantum dots via laser ablation for epinephrine sensing

View document

Bibliographic Details
Summary:In this study, we report a sustainable strategy for the synthesis of functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) via pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL), employing sodium-based salts (NaCl, NaNO3, and Na2SO3) as functional sources to introduce chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur, respectively. This single-step green synthesis yields highly pure GQDs with tunable optical and electrochemical properties. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization, including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirmed controlled particle size distribution, successful surface functionalization, and distinct optoelectronic behavior. The GQDs were incorporated into Nafion®-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) to fabricate electrochemical sensors for epinephrine (EP) detection. Among the GQDs, sulfur-functionalized samples exhibited superior sensitivity due to enhanced surface charge, improved electron transfer kinetics, and favorable interactions with the Nafion® matrix. The resulting sensor demonstrated a wide linear dynamic range (0.1–10 μM) and a low detection limit (LOD = 77 nM), underscoring its potential for pharmaceutical quality control. These findings demonstrate that salt-assisted PLAL can tune surface chemistry and may be extended for broader sensing applications.
Main Authors:Ricardo, Philipi Cavalcante
Other Authors:Vanoni, Caio Raphael; Padrão, Jorge; Zille, Andrea; Satulu, Veronica; Mitu, Bogdana; Pereira, Mário R.; Jost, Cristiane Luisa; Silva, Filipe Samuel; Fredel, Marcio Celso
Subject:Pulsed laser ablation Green synthesis Voltammetry Electrochemical sensor Neurotransmitter
Year:2026
Country:Portugal
Document type:article
Access type:open access
Associated institution:Universidade do Minho
Language:English
Origin:RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho

Similar Items

Funded activities

Loading funded projects...

Similar Items