Fabrication of graphene quantum dots/chitosan composite film and its catalytic reduction for 4-nitrophenol

Graphene quantum dots are widely applied in many fields for its outstanding properties. However, Graphene quantum dots are easy to aggregate which limits its application. In this study, based on excellent film-forming property, chitosan is applied as carrier to disperse Graphene quantum dots. Graphene quantum dots were prepared by one-pot synthesis under microwave irradiation directly from graphite, and then mixed with chitosan to produce composite films. In converting 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, Graphene quantum dots/chitosan composite films showed good catalytic performance. 4-nitrophenol was completely reduced to 4-aminophenol in 17 min, and the film still remained a high catalytic ability after five cycles.