Graphene Quantum Dots Synthesis by using Neem Leaves via Pyrolysis Method followed by Acid Treatment

Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) Synthesis by using Neem Leaves as Precursor via Pyrolysis Method followed by Acid Treatment

1. CHECK LIST

   Fresh leaves of Neem Leaves, Deionized Water, RB Flask, Dropper, Magnetic Stirrer and Furnace

   

2. STEP 1.

   Take fresh Neam leaves, wash properly and dry at 60-80°C for some time until all the water content in the leaves evaporates. Crush the dried Neem leaves to form the fine powder.

   

3. STEP 2.

   Take Neem leaves fine powder, and Pyrolysis it at 1000°C for 5 hours under inert gas to from Black colored Carbon powder.

   

4. STEP 3.

   Take Black colored Carbon powder in RB flask. Add Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) and Nitric Acid (HNO3) in 3:1 ratio respectively, and setup reflux at 80°C for 5 hours.

   

5. STEP 4.

   Add more water to dilute the synthesized GQDs. Filter the Brown colored solution containing GQDs to separate out unreacted content.

   

6. RESULTS

   Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) color would be Brown; Fluorescence of GQDs found to be Green color, when excited in UV radiations. UV-VIs spectroscopy absorbance peak would be obtained around 280nm; Raman spectroscopy D band and G band would be obtained at around 1300cm-1 and 1550cm-1 respectively.

   

7. NOTE: All the experiments should be done under the guidance of lab Incharge; and proper lab safety instructions.