Application of Lignin-Derived Graphene Quantum Dots in Visible Light-Driven Photoelectrochemical Photodetector

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots are the latest addition to the low-dimensional nanomaterial family, which have drawn growing attention due to their unique physiochemical properties and potential applications in many fields. However, their practical application is hindered by the high fabrication cost and environmental concerns regarding unsustainable carbon sources and routes. This work demonstrates a universal approach to fabricate various heteroatom(s) doped lignin-derived graphene quantum dots (LGQDs) for utilization in the photoelectrochemical-type photodetectors (PDs). The results indicate that LGQDs are endowed with relatively dopant-rich chemical states and tailorable broadband photoluminescence. Based on these advantages, these novel LGQDs-based PDs present obvious and fast photo-response within the visible region, as well as good long-term stability in the mild neutral environment, suggesting their great practical significance. It is believed that this work paves a new way for developing PDs based on the photochemically active species from sustainable and cheap biomass-derived lignin.