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Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted considerable interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and various applications. For the first time it is shown that GQDs surface-functionalized with hydrocarbon chains (i.e., amphiphilic GQDs) self-assemble into unilamellar spherical vesicles in aqueous solution. The amphiphilic GQD vesicles exhibit multicolor luminescence that can be readily exploited for membrane studies by fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. The GQD vesicles were used for microscopic analysis of membrane interactions and disruption by the peptide beta-amyloid.

Development of technologies for constructing three-dimensional (i.e. non-planar) transparent conductive electrodes from polymeric materials is a major goal in diverse applications, including optoelectronic devices, flexible electronics, photovoltaics, and others. We present a facile new strategy for creating conductive, transparent gold layering on polystyrene, a widely-used polymer, in different shapes and surface morphologies. The approach is based upon amine functionalization of the polystyrene surface followed by incubation in an aqueous solution of Au(SCN)4− and brief plasma treatment. We show that this simple deposition process resulted in a homogeneous, transparent, and highly conductive crystalline Au coating. Importantly, electrical conductivity was attained for long distances, even in highly non-planar surfaces containing physical barriers. We further show that the approach can be employed for fabrication of conductive hollow tubes using electrospun polystyrene fibers as templates. The new synthesis scheme might make possible varied applications in polymer-based electronic and photonic devices.

Analysis of artworks and identification of their molecular components are of utmost importance for selecting proper conservation strategies and monitoring restoration. Accordingly, development of simple and readily applicable paint analysis assays is highly sought in conservation science and technology. We prepared transparent spin-coated films comprising polydiacetylene (PDA) derivatives upon poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates and employed the PDA/PMMA films for color analysis of organic constituents in painting materials. We show that distinct color transformations were recorded upon addition of paint compounds to different PDA films. Quantitative analysis revealed that the colorimetric transitions were dictated by the interactions between the diacetylene headgroups and the tested compounds. This study underscores the significance of the diacetylene headgroup for molecular discrimination and points to the possible uses of the PMMA-supported PDA films for colorimetric screening of organic components in painting materials.