An Experimental study of Graphene Quantum Dots as a Potential Fluorescent, Anti-Bacterial Additive for Water Based Paint

An experimental study of Graphene quantum dots was conducted as a potential fluorescent, anti-bacterial additive for water-based paints using GQDs synthesized from L Glutamine. The L-Glutamine was polymerized to form light blue GQDs of low fluorescence intensity, which lost all fluorescence once added to the paint. The GQDs were tested for antibacterial properties against the growth of E.coli but failed to inhibit any growth. Raman and UV/vis spectroscopy were also conducted to determine functional groups as well as to determine peak light absorbance trends. While it was concluded that this method of GQD synthesis did not result in a promising additive for water-based paints, future research could continue the antibacterial testing by adding low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide as well as testing other facile methods of synthesis.

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Union College (Schenectady, N.Y.). Department of Mechanical Engineering