Ultra-High Quantum Yield of Graphene Quantum Dots: Aromatic-Nitrogen Doping and Photoluminescence Mechanism

1–3 nm nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots with quantum yield of 0.74 are synthesized via cutting graphene oxide and in situ doping. The size is determined by the remaining graphitic domains of precursor. The doping mechanism is illustrated, and the dominant photoluminescence factor is experimentally confirmed to be the n–π* transition between the lattice-doped nitrogen and the conjugate structure of graphene. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.