Fluorescence of chemically derived graphene: Effect of self-rolling up and aggregation

The aggregation (inter-layer π–π interaction) and self-rolling up (intra-layer π–π interaction) of chemically derived graphene (CDG) sheets in aqueous dispersion were evidenced by spectral and TEM methods. Their effects on optical properties were studied by UV–vis–NIR absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime measurements under various CDG concentrations. At pH 8.3, CDG sheets formed carbon nanoscrolls by self-rolling up when its concentration is lower than 10μg/mL. When the concentration is higher than that, CDG sheets aggregated. Upon aggregation, CDG exhibited the decrease of absorptivity, the change of band shape and the deviation from Lambert–Beer law due to inter-layer π–π interaction. The aggregation effect on CDG fluorescence includes the decrease of emission efficiency, the shortening of fluorescence lifetime and the relative increase of the contribution from short-lived emitting species. On the other hand, CDG self-rolling up caused the occurrence of new absorptions (500 and 960nm) and new emission (after 500nm), the decrease of fluorescence quantum yield and shortening of fluorescence lifetime.