Capping nanoparticles with graphene quantum dots for enhanced thermoelectric performance.

ABSTRACT: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are shown to serve as phase transfer agents to transfer various types of nanoparticles (NPs) from non-polar to polar solvents. Thorough characterization of the NPs proves complete native ligand exchange. Pellets of this GQD-NP composite show that the GQDs limit the crystal size during spark plasma sintering, yielding enhanced thermoelectric performance compared with NPs exchanged with inorganic ions. A photoluminescence study of the GQD-NP composite also suggests energy transfer from GQDs to NPs.

SUBMITTER: Liang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5497257 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature