Synthesis of polystyrene nanoparticles “armoured” with nanodimensional graphene oxide sheets by miniemulsion polymerization

On-demand activatable peroxidase-mimicking enzymatic polymer nanocomposite films

Nanozymes continue to attract considerable attention to minimise the dependence on expensive enzymes in bioassays, particularly in medical diagnostics. While there has been considerable effort directed towards developing different nanozymes, there has been limited progress in fabricating composite materials based on such nanozymes. One of the biggest gaps in the field is the control, tuneability, and on-demand catalytic response. Herein, a nanocomposite nanozymatic film that enables precise tuning of catalytic activity through stretching is demonstrated. In a systematic study, we developed poly(styrene-stat-n-butyl acrylate)/iron oxide-embedded porous silica nanoparticle (FeSiNP) nanocomposite films with controlled, highly tuneable, and on-demand activatable peroxidase-like activity. The polymer/FeSiNP nanocomposite was designed to undergo film formation at ambient temperature yielding a highly flexible and stretchable film, responsible for enabling precise control over the peroxidase-like activity. The fabricated nanocomposite films exhibited a prolonged FeSiNP dose-dependent catalytic response. Interestingly, the optimised composite films with 10 wt% FeSiNP exhibited a drastic change in the enzymatic activity upon stretching, which provides the nanocomposite films with an on-demand performance activation characteristic. This is the first report showing control over the nanozyme activity using a nanocomposite film, which is expected to pave the way for further research in the field leading to the development of system-embedded activatable sensors for diagnostic, food spoilage, and environmental applications.

Nanomaterial surface modification toolkit: Principles, components, recipes, and applications

Surface-functionalized nanostructures are at the forefront of biotechnology, providing new opportunities for biosensors, drug delivery, therapy, and bioimaging applications. The modification of nanostructures significantly impacts the performance and success of various applications by enabling selective and precise targeting. This review elucidates widely practiced surface modification strategies, including click chemistry, cross-coupling, silanization, aldehyde linkers, active ester chemistry, maleimide chemistry, epoxy linkers, and other protein and DNA-based methodologies. We also delve into the application-focused landscape of the nano-bio interface, emphasizing four key domains: therapeutics, biosensing, environmental monitoring, and point-of-care technologies, by highlighting prominent studies. The insights presented herein pave the way for further innovations at the intersection of nanotechnology and biotechnology, providing a useful handbook for beginners and professionals. The review draws on various sources, including the latest research articles (2018-2023), to provide a comprehensive overview of the field.

Durable and rechargeable antimicrobial cotton driven by enhanced UV stability and real-time detection of biocidal factors

In this study, graphene oxide/N-halamine nanocomposite was synthesized through Pickering miniemulsion polymerization, which was then coated on cotton surface. The modified cotton exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity, which could effectively prevent microbial infestation and reduce the probability of hydrolysis of active chlorine, with virtually no active chlorine released in water after 72 h. Deposition of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets endowed cotton with ultraviolet-blocking properties, attributing to enhanced UV adsorption and long UV paths. Moreover, encapsulation of polymeric N-halamine resulted in improved UV stability, thus extending the life of N-halamine-based agents. After 24 h of irradiation, 85 % of original biocidal component (active chlorine content) was retained, and approximately 97 % of initial chlorine could be regenerated. Modified cotton has been proven to be an effective oxidizing material against organic pollutants and a potential antimicrobial substance. Inoculated bacteria were completely killed after 1 and 10 min of contact time, respectively. An innovative and simple scheme for determination of active chlorine content was also devised, and real-time inspection of bactericidal activity could be achieved to assure antimicrobial sustainability. Moreover, this method could be utilized to evaluate hazard classification of microbial contamination in different locations, thus broadening the application scope of N-halamine-based cotton fabrics.

Advances in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Latex Particles via In Situ Emulsion Polymerization

Hybrid latex particles combine the unique properties of inorganic nano/micro particles with the inherent properties of polymers, exhibiting tremendous potential for a variety of applications. Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the design and preparation of hybrid latex particles with well-defined size, structure and morphology. Due to its simplicity, versatility and environmental friendliness, the in situ (Pickering) emulsion polymerization has been demonstrated to be a powerful approach for the large-scale preparation of hybrid latex particles. In this review, the strategies and applications of in situ (Pickering) emulsion polymerization for the preparation of hybrid latex particles are systematically summarized. A particular focus is placed on the strategies for the preparation of hybrid latex particles with enhanced properties and well-defined core-shell, yolk-shell, multinuclear, raspberry-like, dumbbell-shaped, multipod-like or armored morphologies. We hope that the considerable advances, examples and principles presented in this review can motivate future contributions to provide a deeper understanding of current preparation technologies, develop new processes, and enable further exploitation of hybrid latex particles with outstanding characteristics and properties.

PEGylated Graphene Oxide as a Nanodrug Delivery Vehicle for Podophyllotoxin (GO/PEG/PTOX) and In Vitro α-Amylase/α-Glucosidase Inhibition Activities

This study aims to develop a nanodrug delivery system containing podophyllotoxin (PTOX), a known anticancer drug, loaded on graphene oxide (GO). The system's ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes was also investigated. PTOX was isolated from Podophyllum hexandrum roots with a yield of 2.3%. GO, prepared by Hummer's method, was converted into GO-COOH and surface-mobilized using polyethylene glycol (PEG) (1:1) in an aqueous medium to obtain GO-PEG. PTOX was loaded on GO-PEG in a facile manner with a 25% loading ratio. All the samples were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, UV/visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In FT-IR spectral data, GO-PEG-PTOX exhibited a reduction in acidic functionalities and there was an appearance of the ester linkage of PTOX with GO. The UV/visible measurements suggested an increase of absorbance in 290-350 nm regions for GO-PEG, suggesting the successful drug loading on its surface (25%). GO-PEG-PTOX exhibited a rough, aggregated, and scattered type of pattern in SEM with distinct edges and binding of PTOX on its surface. GO-PEG-PTOX remained potent in inhibiting both α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values of 7 and 5 mg/mL, closer to the IC₅₀ of pure PTOX (5 and 4.5 mg/mL), respectively. Owing to the 25% loading ratio and 50% release within 48 h, our results are much more promising. Additionally, the molecular docking studies confirmed four types of interactions between the active centers of enzymes and PTOX, thus supporting the experimental results. In conclusion, the PTOX-loaded GO nanocomposites are promising α-amylase- and α-glucosidase-inhibitory agents when applied in vitro and have been reported for the first time.

Graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids for the abatement of agro-industrial pollutants in aqueous environments

Incessant release of a large spectrum of agro-industrial pollutants into environmental matrices remains a serious concern due to their potential health risks to humans and aquatic animals. Existing remediation techniques are unable to remove these pollutants, necessitating the development of novel treatment approaches. Due to its unique structure, physicochemical properties, and broad application potential, graphene has attracted a lot of attention as a new type of two-dimensional nanostructure. Given its chemical stability, large surface area, electron mobility, superior thermal conductivity, and two-dimensional structure, tremendous research has been conducted on graphene and its derived composites for environmental remediation and pollution mitigation. Various methods for graphene functionalization have facilitated the development of different graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO), functional reduced graphene oxide (frGO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with novel attributes for multiple applications. This review provides a comprehensive read on the recent progress of multifunctional graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids as a promising way of removing emerging contaminants from aqueous environments. First, a succinct overview of the fundamental structure, fabrication techniques, and features of graphene-based composites is presented. Following that, graphene and GO functionalization, i.e., covalent bonding, non-covalent, and elemental doping, are discussed. Finally, the environmental potentials of a plethora of graphene-based hybrid nanocomposites for the abatement of organic and inorganic contaminants are thoroughly covered.

Structural Complexity of Graphene Oxide: The Kirigami Model

Investigation of highly oxidized graphene oxide (GO) by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has revealed an exceptional level of hitherto undiscovered structural complexity. A number of chemical moieties were observed for the first time, such as terminal esters, furanic carbons, phenolic carbons, and three distinct aromatic and two distinct alkoxy carbon moieties. Quantitative one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy established the relative populations and connectivity of these different moieties to provide a consistent "local" chemical structure model. An inferred 2 nm GO sheet size from a very large (∼20%) edge carbon fraction by NMR analysis is at odds with the >20 nm sheet size determined from microscopy and dynamic light scattering. A proposed kirigami model where extensive internal cuts/tears in the basal plane provide the necessary edge sites is presented as a resolution to these divergent results. We expect this work to expand the fundamental understanding of this complex material and enable greater control of the GO structure.

Influence of Anionic Surfactants on the Fundamental Properties of Polymer/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Films

Surfactants are frequently employed in the fabrication of polymer/graphene-based nanocomposites via emulsion techniques. However, the impact of surfactants on the electrical and mechanical properties of such nanocomposite films remains to be explored. We have systematically studied the impact of two anionic surfactants [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)] on intrinsic properties of the nanocomposite films comprising reduced graphene oxide in a matrix of poly(styrene-stat-n-butyl acrylate). Using these ambient temperature film-forming systems, we fabricated films with different concentrations of the surfactants (1-7 wt %, relative to the organic phase). Significant differences in film properties were observed both as a function of amount and type of surfactant. Thermally reduced films exhibited concentration-dependent increases in surface roughness, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties with increasing SDS content. When compared with SDBS, SDS films exhibited an order of magnitude higher electrical conductivity values at every concentration (highest value of ∼4.4 S m^-1 for 7 wt % SDS) and superior mechanical properties at higher surfactant concentrations. The present results illustrate how the simple inclusion of a benzene ring in the SDS structure (as in SDBS) can cause a significant change in the electrical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. Overall, the present results demonstrate how nanocomposite properties can be judiciously manipulated by altering the concentration and/or type of surfactant.

Preparation of Methacrylate Polymer/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Particles Stabilized by Poly(ionic liquid) Block Copolymer via Miniemulsion Polymerization

Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PnBMA)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite films are prepared using two different routes. The first route involves preparation of PnBMA nanoparticles containing homogeneously dispersed rGO nanosheets by miniemulsion polymerization using a block copolymer of ionic liquid (IL) monomer and nBMA. The IL units act as adsorption sites for rGO whereas BMA units provide solubility in the BMA monomer droplets. Nanocomposite films obtained from miniemulsion polymerization exhibit higher tensile modulus in comparison with the films prepared by mixing a PnBMA emulsion and aqueous graphene oxide (GO) dispersion. The second route involves preparation of PnBMA particles armored with rGO nanosheets via miniemulsion polymerization using the same poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) block copolymer. An anionic exchange reaction is conducted to obtain more hydrophilic PIL units in the block copolymer, thus providing adsorption sites of GO nanosheets at the interface of the polymer particles. Subsequent chemical reduction of GO to rGO using hydrazine monohydrate results in formation of a PnBMA/rGO nanocomposite. The resulting nanocomposite film exhibits electrical conductivity (2.0 × 10^-3 S m^-1).

Ultra-thin patchy polymer-coated graphene oxide as a novel anticancer drug carrier

PISA generated polymer pimples on single graphene oxide sheets maintain colloidal stability for the adsorption and release of DOX.

Synthesis of diamine functionalised graphene oxide and its application in the fabrication of electrically conducting reduced graphene oxide/polymer nanocomposite films

The focus of research in diamine functionalised graphene oxide (GO) has been limited to the use of diamines either as crosslinker or to achieve simultaneous functionalisation, reduction and stitching of GO sheets, especially in the case of ethylene diamine (EDA). Controlling the extent of stitching and functionalisation has to date remained a challenge. In particular, synthesis of colloidally stable monofunctionalised GO-NH2 with dangling amine groups using diamines has remained elusive. This has been the limiting factor towards the utility of EDA functionalised GO (GO-NH2) in the field of polymer-based nanocomposites. We have synthesised colloidally stable GO-NH2 with dangling amine groups and subsequently demonstrated its utility as a surfactant to synthesize colloidally stable waterborne polymer nanoparticles with innate affinity to undergo film formation at room temperature. Thermally annealed dropcast polymer/GO-NH2 nanocomposite films exhibited low surface roughness (∼1 μm) due to the homogeneous distribution of functionalised GO sheets within the polymer matrix as observed from confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The films exhibited considerable electrical conductivity (∼0.8 S m-1), demonstrating the potential of the GO-NH2/polymer nanocomposite for a wide range of applications.

Nanocomposite of Graphene Oxide Encapsulated in Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): Pre-Modification, Synthesis, and Latex Stability

The compatibility of graphene oxide with its dispersion medium (polymer) plays a critical role in the formation of nanocomposite materials with significant property improvements. Environmentally friendly miniemulsion polymerization, which allows a formation of nanoencapsulation in an aqueous phase and high molecular weight polymer/composite production is one promising method. In this study, we screened a series of amphiphilic modifiers and found that the quaternary ammonium (ar-vinyl benzyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride (VBTAC) pending carbon double bonds could effectively modify the graphene oxide (GO) to be compatible with the organophilic monomer. After that, free radical miniemulsion polymerization successfully synthesized stable latex of exfoliated poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/ GO nanocomposite. The final latex had an extended storage life and a relatively uniform particle size distribution. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of this latex and its films indicated successful encapsulation of exfoliated nano-dimensional graphene oxide inside a polymer matrix.

Preparation and characterization of polyvinylpyrrolidone/cobalt ferrite functionalized chitosan graphene oxide (CoFe2O4@CS@GO-PVP) nanocomposite

Cobalt ferrite functionalized chitosan graphene oxide (CoFe2O4@CS@GO) was inserted successfully in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and its distribution was distinguished through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Furthermore, the thermal and structural characterizations of the CoFe2O4@CS@GO-PVP nanocomposite were accomplished via the TGA, DSC, FT-IR, and XRD methods. The magnetic characterization of the synthesized nanocomposite was specified by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Results demonstrated the improved thermal stability of pure PVP with the addition of CoFe2O4@CS@GO. The DSC analysis results also showed that the glass transition temperature of 158.9°C–164.8°C was obtained for the CoFe2O4@CS@GO-PVP nanocomposites. The FT-IR spectra indicated that an interaction occurred between CoFe2O4@CS@GO and PVP. Due to a good distribution of CoFe2O4@CS@GO in the PVP matrix, the strong interaction shown by the ~18 cm−1 red shift with good complexation of the carbonyl functional group of PVP with CoFe2O4@CS@GO was observed for the CoFe2O4@CS@GO-PVP (5% w/w) nanocomposite.

Miniemulsion polymerization of styrene using carboxylated graphene quantum dots as surfactant

Carboxylated graphene quantum dots (cGQDs) were synthesized from dextrose and sulfuric acid via a hydrothermal process, and subsequently used as sole surfactant in miniemulsion polymerization of styrene.

Miniemulsion polymerization using carboxylated graphene quantum dots as surfactants: effects of monomer and initiator type

The effectiveness of carboxylated graphene quantum dots (cGQDs) as sole surfactants have been investigated in miniemulsion polymerization of 8 different vinyl monomers, initiated by oil-soluble initiator AIBN and water-soluble initiator VA-044.

Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Fetal Cartilage Rudiment Cells on Graphene Oxide-PLGA Hybrid Microparticles

Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) has been extensively explored for bone regeneration applications; however, its clinical use is limited by low osteointegration. Therefore, approaches that incorporate osteoconductive molecules are of great interest. Graphene oxide (GO) is gaining popularity for biomedical applications due to its ability to bind biological molecules and present them for enhanced bioactivity. This study reports the preparation of PLGA microparticles via Pickering emulsification using GO as the sole surfactant, which resulted in hybrid microparticles in the size range of 1.1 to 2.4 µm based on the ratio of GO to PLGA in the reaction. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the hybrid GO-PLGA microparticles were not cytotoxic to either primary human fetal cartilage rudiment cells or the human osteoblast-like cell line, Saos-2. Additionally, the GO-PLGA microparticles promoted the osteogenic differentiation of the human fetal cartilage rudiment cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors to a greater extent than PLGA alone. These findings demonstrate that GO-PLGA microparticles are cytocompatible, osteoinductive and have potential as substrates for bone tissue engineering.

Electrically conductive polymer/rGO nanocomposite films at ambient temperature via miniemulsion polymerization using GO as surfactant

We have developed a facile and industrially scalable method to synthesize colloidally stable polymer nanoparticles decorated with graphene oxide (GO) sheets via miniemulsion polymerization, which in turn enables the preparation of electrically conductive films using a simple dropcasting method at ambient temperature. The resulting nanocomposite films exhibited high electrical conductivity with a wide range of potential applications as conductive coatings.

Recent advances in colloidal nanocomposite designviaheterogeneous polymerization techniques

Recent advances in colloidal nanocomposite design by heterogeneous polymerization are reviewed, with a specific focus on encapsulation and particle-based stabilization for specific materials applications.

2D Particles at Fluid-Fluid Interfaces: Assembly and Templating of Hybrid Structures for Advanced Applications

Fluid-fluid interfaces have widespread applications in personal care products, the food industry, oil recovery, mineral processes, etc. and are also important and versatile platforms for generating advanced materials. In Pickering emulsions, particles stabilize the fluid-fluid interface, and their presence reduces the interfacial energy between the two fluids. To date, most Pickering emulsions stabilized by 2D particles make use of clay platelets or GO nanosheets. These systems have been used to template higher order hybrid, functional materials, most commonly, armored polymer particles, capsules, and Janus nanosheets. This review discusses the experimental and computational study of the assembly of sheet-like 2D particles at fluid-fluid interfaces, with an emphasis on the impact of chemical composition, and the use of these assemblies to prepare composite structures of dissimilar materials. The review culminates in a perspective on the future of Pickering emulsions using 2D particle surfactants, including new chemical modification and types of particles as well as the realization of properties and applications not possible with currently accessible systems, such as lubricants, porous structures, delivery, coatings, etc.

Pickering miniemulsion polymerization using graphene oxide: effect of addition of a conventional surfactant

Polystyrene/graphene oxide (PSt/GO) nanocomposite latexes have been prepared by Pickering miniemulsion polymerization in the presence of the conventional surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in order to investigate its influence on the polymerization mechanism.

Coassembly Kinetics of Graphene Oxide and Block Copolymers at the Water/Oil Interface

The coassembly kinetics of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and diblock copolymers at the water/toluene interface is probed by tracking the dynamic interfacial tension using pendant drop tensiometry. The diblock copolymer significantly enhances the surfactancy of the GO nanosheets at the interface. It is found that diblock copolymers rapidly adsorb to the water/toluene interface and enhance the adsorption affinity of GO nanosheets to the interface. The continuous adsorption of GO at the interface leads to a random loose packing state, at which the adsorbed GO and diblock copolymers start to form an elastic film. After this transition, GO continues to adsorb to the interface, however, at a much slower speed, yielding a more solidlike elastic film in the long time equilibrium limit.

Ultrathin Hollow Graphene Oxide Membranes for Use as Nanoparticle Carriers

We synthesize hollow spherical particles/membrane sacks of graphene oxide loaded with nanoparticles to be used as nanoparticles carriers, through a new method based on emulsion precipitation and sublimation of the cores. We vary the synthesis parameters, such as shear rate, pH, and graphene oxide and oil concentration ratios. Our results show a concentration dependent membrane thickness that varies between 3 and 25 nm depending on the concentration, and their mean diameters vary between 500 nm and 70 μm. In addition, polymeric nanoparticles are loaded inside the graphene oxide shells forming core-shell particles demonstrating that they can be used as carriers for nanoparticles. Our particles are characterized via laser diffraction, zeta potential, FE-SEM, TEM, BET, and AFM. Potential applications of this work include applications that benefit from core-shell structures and nanoparticle carriers, including drug formulation, catalysis, and electrochemical applications.

Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles containing reduced graphene oxide nanosheets stabilized by poly(ionic liquid) using miniemulsion polymerization

Polymeric nanoparticles containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets have been prepared by aqueous miniemulsion radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) utilizing poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) as stabilizer to effectively disperse the rGO nanosheets in the monomer phase. The PIL that gave the best results in terms of rGO dispersibility was a block copolymer of the ionic liquid monomer 1-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([Mbim][TFSA]) and MMA, the concept being that the MMA units impart solubility in the MMA monomer droplets whereas the IL units act as adsorption sites for rGO. The rGO dispersibility in vinyl monomer was demonstrated to be superior using the above PIL block copolymer compared to the corresponding statistical copolymer or PIL homopolymer. Overall, the approach developed demonstrates how PILs can be employed to conveniently switch (turn ON/OFF) the dispersibility of PIL/rGO via anion exchange reactions, which can be an efficient strategy for synthesis of polymer/rGO nanocomposite materials.

Recent advances in organic–inorganic well-defined hybrid polymers using controlled living radical polymerization techniques

Controlled living radical polymerizations, such as ATRP and RAFT polymerization, could be utilized for the preparation of well-defined organic–inorganic hybrid polymers based on POSS, PDMS, silica nanoparticles, graphene, CNTs and fullerene.

Graphene oxide as a sacrificial material for fabricating molecularly imprinted polymers via Pickering emulsion polymerization

Graphene oxide (GO) was introduced as a sacrificial material, for the first time, to fabricate a hollow molecularly imprinted polymer (HMIP) via Pickering emulsion polymerization.

Surface engineering of graphene quantum dots and their applications as efficient surfactants

The surface properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) control their dispersion and location within the matrices of organic molecules and polymers, thereby determining various properties of the hybrid materials. Herein, we developed a facile, one-step method for achieving systematic control of the surface properties of highly fluorescent GQDs. The surfaces of the as-synthesized hydrophilic GQDs were modified precisely depending on the number of grafted hydrophobic hexylamine. The geometry of the modified GQDs was envisioned by conducting simulations using density functional theory. In stark contrast to the pristine GQDs, the surface-modified GQDs can effectively stabilize oil-in-water Pickering emulsions and submicron-sized colloidal particles in mini-emulsion polymerization. These versatile GQD surfactants were also employed in liquid-solid systems; we demonstrated their use for tailoring the dispersion of graphite in methanol. Finally, the particles produced by the GQD surfactants were fluorescent due to luminescence of the GQDs, which offers great potential for various applications, including fluorescent sensors and imaging.

Latex routes to graphene-based nanocomposites

This review article describes recent advances in the elaboration of graphene-based colloidal nanocomposites by the use of graphene or graphene oxide in heterophase polymerization systems.

Effect of surface-functionalized reduced graphene oxide on mechanical and tribological properties of bismaleimide composites

A new method for preparing resin matrix composites with excellent mechanical and tribological properties has been investigated.

Highly Luminescent Polymer Particles Driven by Thermally Reduced Graphene Quantum Dot Surfactants

We report the use of highly luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as efficient surfactants to produce Pickering emulsions and novel polymer particles. To generate the GQD surfactants, the surface properties of 10 nm sized, non-reduced GQDs (nGQDs), which have strong hydrophilicity, were synthesized and modified in a systematic manner by the thermal reduction of oxygen-containing groups at different treatment times. In stark contrast to the behavior of the nGQDs, thermally reduced GQDs (rGQDs) can produce highly stable Pickering emulsions of oil-in-water systems. To demonstrate the versatility of the rGQD surfactants, they were applied in a mini-emulsion polymerization system that requires nanosized surfactants to synthesize submicron-sized polystyrene particles. In addition, the use of rGQD surfactants can be extended to generating block copolymer particles with controlled nanostructures. Particularly, the polymer particles were highly luminescent, a characteristic produced by the highly fluorescent GQD surfactants, which has great potential for various applications, including bioimaging, drug delivery, and optoelectronic devices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which nanosized GQDs were used as surfactants.