Nanomechanical Mapping of Graphene Quantum Dot-Epoxy Composites Used in Biomedical Application

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Used in biomedical industry applications, Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs), new, carbon-based fragments, facilitate the development of stronger, more biocompatible polymer-based composites. GQDs, nano-sized, 2-20 nm graphene fragments with crystalline structures, benefit from superior mechanical and electrical properties of carbon in different forms and structures. GQDs are composed mainly of sp2 hybridized carbon and they are fluorescent due to quantum confinement, surface defects and zigzagged edges [1]. Recently, GQDs-polymer based composites became strong candidates for biomaterial and biosensor applications [2] because of their larger surface areas, non-toxicity, better cross linking with the polymer matrix and florescent properties. Other applications of GQDs can be found in optoelectronics, orthopedic applications for bone tissue replacements and bioimaging [3]. Top-down and bottom-up methods have been used to synthesize GQDs. Less complicated top-down approaches involve breaking larger pieces of graphite, charcoal, coal, anthracite, carbon fibers, etc. down into nano-sized particles using different methods. More complex bottom-up approaches usually employ small polycyclic hydrocarbons or fullerenes to form planar GQDs structures through organic synthesis [4].