Carbon-Based Nano Systems

Graphene oxide & Graphene oxide-based nanomaterials

We investigate graphene oxide (GO) and related 2D carbons as model platforms to understand how structure and local environment govern photoluminescence (PL). Our emphasis is on excitation-dependent emission and its mechanistic origins—edge states, surface traps, quantum-confinement in sp² islands, and synergistic models-mapped against reduction level, defect density, and heteroatom chemistry. We examine how aqueous conditions tune emissive states, with pH-dependent shifts and quenching emerging from changes in protonation, hydroxylation, and aggregation. Controlled assembly (e.g., concentration- or H-bond-driven aggregation) and surface functionalization are used to modulate radiative vs. non-radiative pathways. Together, these studies build a photophysics-first framework for graphene-based nanomaterials that links synthesis, defect/edge chemistry, and solvation to excitation-energy flow and emission color, setting quantitative baselines for future sensing or imaging work without asserting specific deployments. 

Related Articles

1. Pyne, D. K.; Chatterjee. S.; Pramanik. S.; Halder, A. Temperature-induced photoluminescence amplification of graphene oxide-polyaniline composite through interaction modulated charge transfer. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2024, 318, 129241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2024.129241 

2. Pyne, D. K.; Chatterjee, S.; Pramanik, S.; Saha, P.; Biswas, T.; Bali, S.; Dutta, P.; Halder, A. Tuning of Photoluminescence of Graphene Oxide Based Nanomaterials in the UV-Visible Region: Formation of Aggregates by H-Bonding through Water Molecules. ChemistrySelect 2022, 7, e202202707. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202202707

3. Pyne, D. K.; Pramanik, S.; Chatterjee, S.; Saha, P.; Bali, S.; Biswas, T.; Sengupta, S.; Halder, A. Interaction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds and Fluoride Ions with Photoluminescent GO-Ce Nanoparticles: Understanding the Role of Local Environment of Cerium. ChemistrySelect 2022, 7, 202202095. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202202095 

4. Pyne, D. K.; Chatterjee, S.; Biswas, T.; Saha, P.; Dutta, P.; Halder, A. Photoluminescence Amplification of Cerium Incorporated Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles by Photoinduced Reduction: A Mechanistic Study Highlighting Structural Orderness. J. Lumin. 2021, 235, 118019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2021.118019 

5. Dutta, P.; Nandi, D.; Datta, S.; Chakraborty, S.; Das, N.; Chatterjee, S.; Ghosh, U. C.; Halder, A. Excitation wavelength-dependent UV fluorescence of dispersed modified graphene oxide: Effect of pH. J. Lumin. 2015, 168, 269-275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2015.08.033 

Carbon Quantum Dots, Polymer-Based Nanoparticles, and Sensing Applications

Beyond 2D lattices, we develop carbon-based nanomaterials-carbon dots (CDs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and polymeric nanoparticles-with a focus on green syntheses and rigorous structure–property correlations. For CDs, we prioritize biomass-derived routes and heteroatom engineering, relating precursor chemistry and surface states to quantum yield, lifetime, and spectral tunability. For SWCNTs, our scope centers on near-infrared photophysics and dispersion/functionalization strategies that control exciton dynamics and stability under ambient conditions. Across these families, our research philosophy is consistent: use sustainable synthesis where possible; apply precise chemical control to isolate emissive centers; and deploy spectroscopy to connect compositional motifs to optical function, keeping the narrative squarely on fundamental photophysics and materials chemistry rather than on downstream applications. 

Related Articles

1. Mukherjee, P.; Mallick, D.; Roy, S.; Chatterjee, S.; Ganai, S. Excitation-Dependent Two-State Photoluminescence of Microwave Synthesized Carbon Dots: Solvent and pH Sensitive Behaviour. ChemPhysChem, 2026, 27, e202500873. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.202500873 

2. Yadav, L.; Yadav, A.; Chatterjee, S.; Tyeb, S.; Gupta, R. K.; Sen, P.; Ateeq, B.; Verma, V.; Nalwa, K. S. Red-emitting Polyaniline-Based Nanoparticle Probe for pH-sensitive Fluorescence Imaging. Biomaterials Advances 2022, 140, 21308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213088 

3. Singh, V.; Gorbel, B.; Chatterjee, S.; Sen, P.; Verma, V. Green, economical synthesis of nitrogen enriched carbon nanoparticles from seaweed extract and their application as invisible ink and fluorescent film. Materials Letters 2022, 309, 131446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2021.131446 

4. Singh, V.; Chatterjee, S.; Palecha, M.; Sen, P.; Ateeq, B.; Verma, V. Chickpea peel waste as sustainable precursor for synthesis of fluorescent carbon nanotubes for bioimaging application. Carbon Letters 2021, 31, 117-123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42823-020-00156-8 

5. Sathiyan, G.; Chatterjee, S.; Sen, P.; Garg, A.; Gupta, R. K.; Singh, A. Thiazolothiazole-Based Fluorescence Probe towards Detection of Copper and Iron Ions through Formation of Radical Cations. ChemistrySelect 2019, 4, 11718–11725. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.201902994

6. Sathiyan, G.; Balasubhramaniam, B.; Ranjan, S.; Chatterjee, S.; Sen, P.; Garg, A.; Gupta, R. K.; Singh, A. A novel star-shaped triazine-triphenylamine–based fluorescent chemosensor for the selective detection of picric acid. Materials Today Chemistry 2019, 12, 178-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2019.01.002  

Collaborations