Selectively self-assembling graphene nanoribbons with shaped iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoflower and nanoplate-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were attached onto graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). Raman spectra of FeNP–GNRs reveal red-shifted G-bands along with greatly reduced D-band intensity, indicating a surface-smooth and electron-doped assembly on GNR. Distinctive decorative patterns are associated with unique sizes, shapes, and crystallinities of FeNPs. FeNP-nanoflowers are predominately attached around the edges of the GNRs; whereas multilayer GNRs are sandwich-stacked with FeNP-nanoplates. With the attachment of IgG antibodies, FeNP–GNRs–IgG depict distinguishable aggregation features, which have potential advantages as biosensors to target tumor cells with over-expressed folic acid.