Preparation of cellulose-based fluorescent materials using Zinc sulphide quantum dot-decorated graphene by a one-step hydrothermal method

Cellulose-based fluorescent materials using Zinc sulphide (ZnS) quantum dot-decorated graphene were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis identified the chemical states of Zn, S, C, O, and N in the composite paper. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the graphite oxide was reduced to graphene sheets, and ZnS nanoparticles (<10 nm) were deposited on the surface of these sheets. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that graphene sheets were attached to the surface of paper fibers, and the paper structure and morphology of the fibers were not observably damaged during the hydrothermal reaction. The cellulose-based composite had strong ultraviolet absorption in the range of 200–340 nm, and its main absorption peak was at approximately 296 nm. The band edge emission of photoluminescence spectrum of the composite occurred at 466 nm with an excitation wavelength of 320 nm. The laser scanning confocal microscope image of the composite exhibited an intense blue fluorescence under UV light at 405 nm.