Environmentally benign synthesis of blue fluorescent graphene quantum dots for nitroaromatic sensing ( p -nitroaniline and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol) and their nanophytotoxicity analysis
Abstract
L.) seeds. Although quantum dots are generally considered non-toxic within the research community, no comprehensive studies have examined their effects on seed germination. Addressing this major research gap, our investigation reveals that at sufficiently high concentrations, quantum dots can in fact inhibit seed germination. In contrast, the GQDs used in this study exhibited negligible nanophytotoxicity across a broad concentration range, confirming their strong environmental compatibility. Moreover, when applied as nanoprobes, the working concentrations required are extremely low, rendering them effectively non-toxic. Overall, this work not only introduces GQDs as green, efficient nanosensors but also establishes their value as a platform for assessing the broader environmental implications of quantum-dot-based technologies.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Carbon and Quantum Dots Applications
Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Analyst
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Volume
- 151
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 2888–2906
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN