Surface modification of graphene quantum dots for control of luminescence and applications for light-emitting devices

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a nanometer-sized graphene derivative composed of mainly carbon atoms, has received widespread interest as the next-generation luminescent materials for future display due to its low-cost synthesis, unique photoluminescent (PL) properties, and eco-friendly characteristics. Over the past years, numerous studies have been conducted on tuning the emission wavelength and improvement of optical properties, but researches to improve the applicability as an active material of electroluminescent (EL) device are insufficient. This dissertation reports the rational surface modification of GQDs and a new concept of tuning singlet-triplet energy splitting observed in that process, and deals with the results of the application of EL devices using GQDs with improved PL properties.