Abstract: Conjugates are provided containing a graphene quantum dot, a targeting moiety, and an active agent. The conjugates can be used to provide one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic effects to a subject in need thereof. The subject can be a cancer patient and the active agent an anti-cancer agent. The graphene quantum dots can have an average particle size of about 1-20 nm and a monodisperse size distribution. The size distribution can have a span about 1 or less and/or a coefficient of variance of about 0.5 or less. Methods of making the conjugates are provided. The methods can include conjugating the targeting moiety to the GQD using a reactive coupling group. Methods of treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing a disease or disorder in a patient in need thereof by administering the conjugates are provided.

Abstract: Methods of making graphene quantums dots are provided. The methods can produce graphene quantum dots with a monodisperse size distribution. The graphene quantum dots are produced, via one-pot synthesis, from a graphene source and a strong oxidizing mixture at an elevated temperature. The strong oxidizing mixture can contain one or more permanganates and one or more oxidizing acids. Exemplary permanganates include sodium permanganate, potassium permanganate, and calcium permanganate. Exemplary oxidizing acids include nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The graphene quantum dots can have an average particle size of between about 1 nm and 20 nm and a monodisperse size distribution. For example, the size distribution can have a span about 1 or less and/or a coefficient of variance of about 0.5 or less. About 40% or more of the graphene quantum dots can have a diameter within ±5 nm of the average particle size of the graphene quantum dots.

Abstract: Methods of making graphene quantums dots are provided. The methods can produce graphene quantum dots with a monodisperse size distribution. The graphene quantum dots are produced, via one-pot synthesis, from a graphene source and a strong oxidizing mixture at an elevated temperature. The strong oxidizing mixture can contain one or more permanganates and one or more oxidizing acids. Exemplary permanganates include sodium permanganate, potassium permanganate, and calcium permanganate. Exemplary oxidizing acids include nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The graphene quantum dots can have an average particle size of between about 1 nm and 20 nm and a monodisperse size distribution. For example, the size distribution can have a span about 1 or less and/or a coefficient of variance of about 0.5 or less. About 40% or more of the graphene quantum dots can have a diameter within ±5 nm of the average particle size of the graphene quantum dots.