Abstract Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are the latest addition to nanocarbon materials family and promise a wide spectrum of novel applications. Herein, we demonstrate amphiphilic GQDs as a new class of zero-dimensional (0D) inorganic surfactants. Amphiphilic GQDs are synthesized using a facile one-step hydrothermal process and exhibit single-layer graphene structure, high crystallinity, uniform size and bright photoluminescence. Owning to ultrasmall size and unique surface-active characteristics, amphiphilic GQDs are able to stabilize Pickering emulsion, self-assemble into self-supporting monolith, disperse hydrophobic carbon nanotubes to form ultra-light aerogel, promote fast spreading of water on superhydrophobic surface. Furthermore, GQD surfactants can mediate Pickering interfacial reactions, such as, polymerization to form hollow microspheres and chemical conversion catalyzed by acidic functional groups on GQD surface.

中文翻译：

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两亲石墨烯量子点作为一类新型表面活性剂

摘要 石墨烯量子点 (GQD) 是纳米碳材料家族的最新成员，有望获得广泛的新应用。在此，我们将两亲 GQD 证明为一类新的零维 (0D) 无机表面活性剂。两亲性 GQD 是使用简单的一步水热法合成的，具有单层石墨烯结构、高结晶度、尺寸均匀和明亮的光致发光。由于超小尺寸和独特的表面活性特性，两亲性 GQD 能够稳定 Pickering 乳液，自组装成自支撑整体，分散疏水性碳纳米管形成超轻气凝胶，促进水在超疏水表面上的快速扩散。此外，GQD 表面活性剂可以介导 Pickering 界面反应，例如，