Si-doped carbon quantum dots: a facile and general preparation strategy, bioimaging application, and multifunctional sensor

Facile synthesis of carbon dots in an immiscible system with excitation-independent emission and thermally activated delayed fluorescence

Herein, we present a one-pot microwave-assisted preparative method for water-soluble carbon dots (CDs) in an immiscible system. CDs demonstrated uniform morphology, high quantum yield and excitation-independent fluorescence emission. Moreover, we first reported the observation of thermally activated delayed fluorescence from CDs.

Near-infrared emissive lanthanide hybridized carbon quantum dots for bioimaging applications

Facile preparation of lanthanide hybridized carbon quantum dots (Ln-CQDs) and their potential for visible/NIR bioimagingin vivo.

Graphene quantum dots: recent progress in preparation and fluorescence sensing applications

This paper reviews recent activities in the preparation and fluorescence sensing applications of graphene quantum dots.

Highly photoluminescent pH-independent nitrogen-doped carbon dots for sensitive and selective sensing of p-nitrophenol

Highly photoluminescent pH-independent nitrogen-doped carbon dots prepared from maleic acid and ethylenediamine exhibit highly sensitive and selective sensing of p-nitrophenol.

Effects of elemental doping on the photoluminescence properties of graphene quantum dots

B/N//P/S atoms were doped into graphene quantum dots to tailor their surface functional groups and structural defects with the aim of improving their photoluminescence properties.

A solid-state electrochemiluminescent sensor based on C60/graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheet hybrids for detecting melamine

Schematic illustration of preparing C₆₀/g-C₃N₄ NS and the fabricating procedures of the proposed ECL sensor.

Good's buffer derived highly emissive carbon quantum dots: excellent biocompatible anticancer drug carrier

A facile one-step approach has been developed for the synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from Good’s buffer.

Rhodamine-Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots for Detection of Fe(3+) in Cancer Stem Cells

A turn-on orange-red fluorescent nanosensor based on rhodamine B derivative-functionalized graphene quantum dots (RBD-GQDs) has been successfully synthesized for Fe(3+) detection with high sensitivity and selectivity. By connecting with GQDs, the water solubility, sensitivity, photostability, and biocompatibility of RBD are drastically improved. The most distinctive feature of the RBD-GQDs, which sets them apart from other previously reported fluorophores or GQDs, is that they with the detection limits as low as 0.02 μM are demonstrated as a Fe(3+) turn-on fluorescent nanosensor in cancer stem cells. Fe(3+) binding to such GQDs (RBD-GQDs-Fe(3+)) with orange-red fluorescence of 43% quantum yield were demonstrated to be the biomarkers for cancer stem cell imaging.

Germanium-doped carbon dots as a new type of fluorescent probe for visualizing the dynamic invasions of mercury(II) ions into cancer cells

Carbon dots doped with germanium (GeCDs) were firstly prepared by a new simple 15 min carbonation synthesis route, exhibiting excitation-independent photoluminescence (PL), which could avoid autofluorescence in bioimaging applications. The as-prepared GeCDs have low cell toxicity, good biocompatibility, high intracellular delivery efficiency, stability and could be applied for detection of mercury(II) ions with excellent selectivity in complicated medium. It is to be noted that the as-prepared GeCDs used as a new type of probe for visualization of dynamic invasions of mercury(II) ions into Hep-2 cells display greatly different properties from most of the previously reported CDs which are regularly responsive to iron ions. All the results suggest that the GeCDs can be employed for visualization and monitoring of the significant physiological changes of living cells induced by Hg(2+).

Bright-Yellow-Emissive N-Doped Carbon Dots: Preparation, Cellular Imaging, and Bifunctional Sensing

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have attracted much attention in recent years because of their superior optical and chemical properties, thus demonstrating many potential applications. However, the previously reported CDs mostly show strong emission only in the blue-light region, and the long-wavelength (i.e., yellow- to red-light) emissions are usually very weak. Such a drawback restricts their further applications, particularly in the biology-relevant fields. Herein, a rare example of N-doped CDs that emit bright-yellow fluorescence (i.e., y-CDs) is reported using 1,2,4-triaminobenzene as carbon precursor. The as-prepared y-CDs exhibit not only respectable emission quantum yield and highly optical stabilities but superior biocompatibility and biolabeling potentials. In addition, the y-CDs are found to show an interesting "ON-OFF-ON" three-state emission with the stepwise addition of Ag(+) and cysteine (Cys), indicating potential applications as a bifunctional sensing platform. Thanks to the highly intense emission of y-CDs, the gradual quenching and restoration of their fluorescence with the addition of Ag(+) and further Cys could also be observed with the naked eye. More importantly, the ensemble of the y-CDs and Ag(+) demonstrates practicability for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Cys in human plasma samples with satisfactory results.

Hydrophilic and blue fluorescent N-doped carbon dots from tartaric acid and various alkylol amines under microwave irradiation

The desired control of particle size, doping element composition, and surface structure of carbon dots (CDs) are vital for understanding the fluorescence mechanism and exploring their potential applications. Herein, nitrogen-doped CDs (N-doped CDs) have been synthesized with tartaric acid and various alkylol amines (monoethanolamine, biethanolamine and triethanolamine) under microwave irradiation. A systematic investigation was performed to characterize the N-doped CDs. It is found that with increasing nitrogen proportion, the fluorescent quantum yield and lifetime of N-doped CDs increases, whereas cell toxicity decreases. In other words, N-doped CDs synthesized by tartaric acid and monoethanolamine have the highest nitrogen content, the highest fluorescent quantum yield, the longest lifetime and the lowest cell toxicity. A corresponding mechanism has been proposed. Moreover, as-synthesized N-doped CDs have been applied for selectively detecting the Fe(3+) ion and writing letters as a fluorescent ink.

A novel electrochemiluminescence sensor based on Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/N-doped carbon nanodots system for the detection of bisphenol A

A novel Ru(bpy)3(2+)-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform, using N-doped carbon nanodots (N-C dots) as co-reactant, was established for the sensitive and selective detection of bisphenol A (BPA). N-C dots not only could enhance the ECL signal, but also significantly improved the reproducibility and stability of Ru(bpy)3(2+) ECL system. The developed ECL sensing system was sensitive to detect BPA based on its efficient quenching effect on Ru(bpy)3(2+)/N-C dots. The N-C dots-enhanced ECL mechanism and BPA-quenched ECL mechanism were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the inhibited ECL intensity was in good linear relationship versus the concentration of BPA in the range of 0.03-1.0 μM with the detection limit of 10 nM. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 25 successive measurements with one sensor was 1.1% and for eight different sensors was 2.5%, respectively. The fabricated sensing platform was successfully applied for the detection of BPA in baby bottle and nipple, and relatively satisfactory recoveries were obtained.

N-doped carbon dots derived from bovine serum albumin and formic acid with one- and two-photon fluorescence for live cell nuclear imaging

Carbon dots with both one- and two-photon fluorescence have drawn great attention for biomedical imaging. Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon dots were facilely developed by one-pot hydrothermal method using bovine serum albumin and formic acid as carbon sources. They are highly water-soluble with strong fluorescence when excited with ultraviolet or near infrared light. The carbon dots have a diameter of ~8.32 nm and can emit strong two-photon induced fluorescence upon excitation at 750 nm with a femtosecond laser. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer analysis revealed that the carbon dots contained three components, C, N and O, corresponding to the peak at 285, 398 and 532 eV, respectively. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that there are carboxyl and carboxylic groups on the surface, which allowed further linking of functional molecules. pH stability study demonstrated that the carbon dots are able to be used in a wide range of pH values. The fluorescence mechanism is also discussed in this study. Importantly, these carbon dots are biocompatible and highly photostable, which can be directly applied for both one- and two-photon living cell imaging. After proper surface functionalization with TAT peptide, they can be used as fluorescent probes for live cell nuclear-targeted imaging.

In situ photochemical synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots for optical sensing of hydrogen peroxide and antioxidants

A new synthesis approach for obtaining fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) based on UV irradiation of carbohydrates was developed. The photochemical synthesis pathway allows the formation of water soluble CDs of analytical usefulness within one min. CDs obtained by photochemical treatment from the sucrose/NaOH/poly(ethylene glycol) system are monodisperse with an average size of 8 nm as determined by transmission electron microscopy. A dramatic increase in the CDs fluorescence (turn on) is observed when H2O2 is added. The decrease in CDs size occurring by the action of highly oxidant OH radicals gives rise to confinement of emissive energy traps and, in turn, to fluorescence enhancement. Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and glutathione inhibit the photochemical reaction giving rise to a decrease in fluorescence of the CDs/H2O2 system (turn on-off). The detection limit was 5 µM H2O2 and the repeatability expressed as the relative standard deviation was 3.8% (N=7). The photochemical synthesis of CDs allows building a green, low-cost, safe and fast assay for the detection of H2O2 and antioxidants. An application of the novel fluorescent nanoprobe to H2O2 detection in contact lens cleaning solutions is performed.

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots for highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg (II) ions

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (N,S/C-dots) with high fluorescence quantum yields (FLQY, 25%) was successfully synthesized by a one-step microwave-assisted method. In comparison with nitrogen doped C-dots (N/C-dots) prepared using the same method, the resulting N,S/C-dots featured small particle size, uniform surface state, insensitive FL properties to excitation wavelengths and environmental conditions, negligible cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility. Simultaneous doping of N and S effectively promoted electron-transfer and coordination interaction between N,S/C-dots and Hg(2+). Thus, when used as fluorescence probe for Hg(2+) label-free detection, the resulting N,S/C-dots showed good detection sensitivity and ion selectivity. The limit of detection was 2 μM; among 15 metal ions investigated, only Fe(3+) showed interference to the Hg(2+) detection. Fortunately, this interference could be effectively shielded using a chelating agent sodium hexametaphoshpate. The applicability of N,S/C-dots as fluorescence probe for Hg(2+) detection in lake water and tap water was demonstrated. Finally, based on its favorable features of negligible cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility, the N,S/C-dots were successfully applied to probe Hg(2+) in living cells, which broaden its application in biological system.

A general solid-state synthesis of chemically-doped fluorescent graphene quantum dots for bioimaging and optoelectronic applications

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted increasing interest because of their excellent properties such as strong photoluminescence, excellent biocompatibility and low cost. Herein, we develop a general method for the synthesis of doped and undoped GQDs, which relies on direct carbonization of organic precursors in the solid state.

Synthesis of highly fluorescent nitrogen and phosphorus doped carbon dots for the detection of Fe(3+) ions in cancer cells

Highly fluorescent nitrogen and phosphorus-doped carbon dots with a quantum yield 59% have been successfully synthesized from citric acid and di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate by single step hydrothermal method. The synthesized carbon dots have high solubility as well as stability in aqueous medium. The as-obtained carbon dots are well monodispersed with particle sizes 1.5-4 nm. Owing to a good tunable fluorescence property and biocompatibility, the carbon dots were applied for intercellular sensing of Fe(3+) ions as well as cancer cell imaging.

Uncovering the pKa dependent fluorescence quenching of carbon dots induced by chlorophenols

Fluorescence quenching induced by targets is always an alluring strategy to elucidate the possible photoluminescence origin of carbon dots. In this study, a new kind of N, S co-doped carbon dots (NSCDs) was synthesized and the fluorescence of NSCDs was surprisingly found to be quenched by chlorophenols (CPs) in a pKa dependent mode. Detailed investigation of this behavior demonstrated that phenolate was the responsible species and N and/or S dopants in NSCDs failed to play a role in the fluorescence quenching. Further evidence uncovered that the quenching was a static one, where a non-fluorescent intermediate was formed between electron-deficient C=O on the CDs surface and the electron-rich phenolic oxygen anion of chlorophenolate via nucleophilic addition. Moreover, one of the main photoluminescence origins of this kind of CDs was derived, namely surface emissive sites mostly attributed to carbonyl groups.

Glowing graphene quantum dots and carbon dots: properties, syntheses, and biological applications

The emerging graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and carbon dots (C-dots) have gained tremendous attention for their enormous potentials for biomedical applications, owing to their unique and tunable photoluminescence properties, exceptional physicochemical properties, high photostability, biocompatibility, and small size. This article aims to update the latest results in this rapidly evolving field and to provide critical insights to inspire more exciting developments. We comparatively review the properties and synthesis methods of these carbon nanodots and place emphasis on their biological (both fundamental and theranostic) applications.

Carbon quantum dots-based recyclable real-time fluorescence assay for alkaline phosphatase with adenosine triphosphate as substrate

A convenient, reliable, and highly sensitive real-time assay for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the continuous and recyclable way is established on the basis of aggregation and disaggregation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) through the competitive assay approach. CQDs and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used as the fluorescent indicator and substrate for ALP activity assessment, respectively. Richness of carboxyl groups on the surface of CQDs enables their severe aggregation triggered by cerium ions, which results in effective fluorescence quenching. Under the catalytic hydrolysis of ALP, ATP can be rapidly transformed to phosphate ions. Stronger affinity of phosphate ions to cerium ions than carboxyl groups is taken advantage of to achieve fluorescence recovery induced by redispersion of CQDs in the presence of ALP and ATP. Quantitative evaluation of ALP activity in a broad range from 4.6 to 383.3 U/L with the detection limit of 1.4 U/L can be realized in this way, which endows the assay with high enough sensitivity for practical detection in human serum. The assay can be used in a recyclable way for more than three times since the generated product CePO4 as a precipitate can be easily removed from the standard assay system. This strategy broadens the sensing application of fluorescent CQDs with excellent biocompatibility and provides an example based on disaggregation in optical probe development.

Nanodiamonds and silicon quantum dots: ultrastable and biocompatible luminescent nanoprobes for long-term bioimaging

Ultra-stability and low-toxicity of silicon quantum dots and fluorescent nanodiamonds for long-termin vitroandin vivobioimaging are demonstrated.

Carbon dots isolated from chromatographic fractions for sensing applications

An as-synthesised C-dots sample derived from acetic acid, NAC and P₂O₅ can be separated and fractionated into various C-dots species by HPLC. The brighter C-dots fractions can be used as fluorescent probes for sensitive detection of Fe³⁺ and Hg²⁺.

Surface molecular imprinting on silane-functionalized carbon dots for selective recognition of nifedipine

An eco-friendly molecularly imprinted fluorescent sensor was developed for nifedipine (NIF) based on silane-functionalized carbon dots.

Fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for environmental mercury detection

The development of fluorescent and colorimetric sensing strategies for environmental mercury is described.

Facile synthesis of a highly luminescent carbon dot@silica nanorattle for in vivo bioimaging

Carbon dots embedded in silica nanorattle (CDs@SN) nanocomposites with high luminescence are synthesized and exhibit brighter fluorescence in vitro and in vivo than CDs alone.

Recent developments in carbon nanomaterial sensors

The structural diversity of carbon nanomaterials provides an array of unique electronic, magnetic and optical properties, which when combined with their robust chemistry and ease of manipulation, makes them attractive candidates for sensor applications. In this review recent developments in the use of carbon nanoparticles and nanostructures as sensors and biosensors are explored.

Valine-derived carbon dots with colour-tunable fluorescence for the detection of Hg2+ with high sensitivity and selectivity

Green and yellow fluorescent carbon dots with high sensitivity and selectivity for Hg²⁺ were synthesized from H₃PO₄ oxidation of valine.

A General Method Towards Efficient Synthesis and Fluorescence Tuning of Carbon Black-Derived Carbon Dots via Controlled Liquid Oxidization

Efficient synthesis and controlled modification of carbon dots (CDs) with tuneable properties on the basis of facile technical routes are of great significance for user-defined applications as well as more insightful understanding of the unique fluorescence from carbon nanomaterials. In this work, we report an improved nitric acid oxidization method towards low-cost and rapid preparation of fluorescent CDs. This is achieved by using industrial carbon black specimens as the precursor and implementing a reduced pressure distillation for the purpose of eliminating excessive acids. Unexpectedly, the product exhibits an interesting dual luminescence behaviour with tuneable characteristics that differs from all previously reported CDs. The strongest emissions at fixed or varied excitations can be simultaneously tuned from blue to green or yellow by simply prolonging the time of acid oxidization. These emissions show distinct stabilities in acid and alkaline environments, thereby making the resultant CDs very promising candidates for pH probes. It is further revealed that this simple synthesis and fluorescence tuning strategy is also applicable to CDs from other carbon blacks.

Exploring the blue luminescence origin of nitrogen-doped carbon dots by controlling the water amount in synthesis

Nitrogen doped carbon dots show regular changes in quantum yield when the water content in synthesis is adjusted, and their strong blue fluorescence is proved to arise from the CO groups on the nanoparticle surfaces.

Generation of nitrogen-doped photoluminescent carbonaceous nanodots via the hydrothermal treatment of fish scales for the detection of hypochlorite

Preparing nitrogen-doped (N-doped) photoluminescent carbonaceous nanodots (C-dots) from the recycling/utilisation of nitrogen-rich carbonaceous waste has received considerable research interest.

Doped graphene: synthesis, properties and bioanalysis

We discuss early advances in the preparation of doped graphene and its unique properties as well as its applications in bioanalysis.

Effects of representative quantum dots on microorganisms and phytoplankton: a comparative study

In this paper, we put forward more effective and convenient approaches to prepare three kinds of high-quality CQDs. Then we assessed their effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Microcystis aeruginosa.

A fluorescent nanosensor based on graphene quantum dots-aptamer probe and graphene oxide platform for detection of lead (II) ion

The sensitive detection of heavy metal ions in the organism and aquatic ecosystem using nanosensors based on environment friendly and biocompatible materials still remains a challenge. A fluorescent turn-on nanosensor for lead (II) detection based on biocompatible graphene quantum dots and graphene oxide by employment of Pb(2+)-induced G-quadruplex formation was reported. Graphene quantum dots with high quantum yield, good biocompatibility were prepared and served as the fluorophore of Pb(2+) probe. Fluorescence turn-off of graphene quantum dots is easily achieved through efficient photoinduced electron transfer between graphene quantum dots and graphene oxide, and subsequent fluorescence turn-on process is due to the formation of G-quadraplex aptamer-Pb(2+) complex triggered by the addition of Pb(2+). This nanosensor can distinguish Pb(2+) ion from other ions with high sensitivity and good reproducibility. The detection method based on this nanosensor possesses a fast response time of one minute, a broad linear span of up to 400.0 nM and ultralow detection limit of 0.6 nM.

Color-switchable, emission-enhanced fluorescence realized by engineering C-dot@C-dot nanoparticles

This paper reports the preparation and properties of color-switchable fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-dots). C-dots that emit dark turquoise and green-yellow fluorescence under 365 nm UV illumination were obtained from the hydrothermal decomposition of citric acid. Dark green fluorescent C-dots were obtained by conjugating prepared C-dots to form C-dot@C-dot nanoparticles. After successful conjugation of the C-dots, the fluorescence emission undergoes a blue-shift of nearly 20 nm (∼0.15 eV) under UV excitation at 370 nm. The C-dots emit goldenrod, green-yellow, and gold light under excitation at 455 nm, which shows that the prepared C-dots are color-switchable. Furthermore, conjugation of the C-dots results in enhanced, red-shifted absorption of the π-π* transition of the aromatic sp(2) domains due to the conjugated π-electron system. N incorporation in the carbon structure leads to a degree of dipoles for all the aromatic sp(2) bonds. The enhanced absorption in a wide range from 226 to 601 nm indicates extended conjugation in the C-dot@C-dot structure. The time-resolved average lifetimes for the three different types of C-dots prepared in this study are 7.10, 7.65, and 4.07 ns. The radiative rate (reduced decay lifetime) increases when the C-dots are conjugated in the C-dot@C-dot nanoparticles, leading to the enhanced fluorescence emission. The fluorescence emission of the C-dot@C-dot nanoparticles can be used in applications such as flow cytometry and cell imaging.

Polycation-b-polyzwitterion copolymer grafted luminescent carbon dots as a multifunctional platform for serum-resistant gene delivery and bioimaging

Nanomaterials that integrate functions of imaging and gene delivery have been of great interest due to their potential use in simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Herein, polycation-b-polysulfobetaine block copolymer, poly[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate]-b-poly[N-(3-(methacryloylamino) propyl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide] (PDMAEMA-b-PMPDSAH) grafted luminescent carbon dots (CDs) were prepared via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and investigated as a multifunctional gene delivery system (denoted as CD-PDMA-PMPD) in which the CD cores acted as good multicolor cell imaging probes, the cationic PDMAEMA acted as a DNA condensing agent, and the outer shell of zwitterionic PMPDSAH block protected the vector against nonspecific interactions with serum components. As revealed by the fluorescent spectrum study, the photoluminescent attributes, especially the tunable emission property, were well inherited from the parent CDs. The CD-PDMA-PMPD could condense plasmid DNA into nanospheres with sizes of approximate 50 nm at a proper complex ratio, posing little cytotoxicity at higher ratios. It was shown that the hybrid vector exhibited significantly suppressed BSA protein adsorption and superior hemocompatibility compared to those of the widely used PEI25k. In the in vitro transfection assay, an increased serum concentration from 10 to 50% caused a dramatic drop in PEI25k transfection performance, whereas the transfection efficiency of CD-PDMA-PMPD was well maintained; CD-PDMA80-PMPD40 showed 13 and 28 times higher transfection efficiencies than PEI25k at 30 and 50% serum concentration, respectively. Intriguingly, the carbon dots in the transfected cells displayed excitation-dependent fluorescent emissions, portending that this polycation-polyzwitterion modified CD will be a promising theranostic vector with excellent stealth performance.

Microwave-assisted polyol synthesis of carbon nitride dots from folic acid for cell imaging

A green, one-step microwave-assisted polyol synthesis was employed to prepare blue luminescent carbon nitride dots (CNDs) using folic acid molecules as both carbon and nitrogen sources. The as-prepared CNDs had an average size of around 4.51 nm and could be well dispersed in water. Under excitation at 360 nm, the CNDs exhibited a strong blue luminescence and the quantum yield was estimated to be 18.9%, which is greater than that of other reported CNDs. Moreover, the CNDs showed low cytotoxicity and could efficiently label C6 glioma cells, demonstrating their potential in cell imaging.

Dual-colored graphene quantum dots-labeled nanoprobes/graphene oxide: functional carbon materials for respective and simultaneous detection of DNA and thrombin

Convenient and simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers such as DNA and proteins with biocompatible materials and good analytical performance still remains a challenge. Herein, we report the respective and simultaneous detection of DNA and bovine α-thrombin (thrombin) entirely based on biocompatible carbon materials through a specially designed fluorescence on-off-on process. Colorful fluorescence, high emission efficiency, good photostability and excellent compatibility enables graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as the best choice for fluorophores in bioprobes, and thus two-colored GQDs as labeling fluorophores were chemically bonded with specific oligonucleotide sequence and aptamer to prepare two probes targeting the DNA and thrombin, respectively. Each probe can be assembled on the graphene oxide (GO) platform spontaneously by π-π stacking and electrostatic attraction; as a result, fast electron transfer in the assembly efficiently quenches the fluorescence of probe. The presence of DNA or thrombin can trigger the self-recognition between capturing a nucleotide sequence and its target DNA or between thrombin and its aptamer due to their specific hybridization and duplex DNA structures or the formation of apatamer-substrate complex, which is taken advantage of in order to achieve a separate quantitative analysis of DNA and thrombin. A dual-functional biosensor for simultaneous detection of DNA and thrombin was also constructed by self-assembly of two probes with distinct colors and GO platform, and was further evaluated with the presence of various concentrations of DNA and thrombin. Both biosensors serving as a general detection model for multiple species exhibit outstanding analytical performance, and are expected to be applied in vivo because of the excellent biocompatibility of their used materials.

Geometric and electronic properties of graphene modified by “external” N-containing groups

Due to electron transfer fromortho-carbon to nitrogen, theortho-carbon is the most stable binding site between pyridine derivatives and graphene or the catalytic site for a lot of reactions.