Preparation and Characterization of Photoluminescent Graphene Quantum Dots from Watermelon Rind Waste for the Detection of Ferric Ions and Cellular Bio-Imaging Applications.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized using watermelon rind waste as a photoluminescent (PL) agent for ferric ion (Fe3+) detection and in vitro cellular bio-imaging. A green and simple one-pot hydrothermal technique was employed to prepare the GQDs. Their crystalline structures corresponded to the lattice fringe of graphene, possessing amide, hydroxyl, and carboxyl functional groups.