Edge-modified graphene quantum dots (GQD-1) showed base-dependent photoluminescence (PL) responses. DBN, DBU, and Et3N gradually enhanced the PL intensity and then caused quenching, whereas quenching was not observed when pyridine and pyrimidine were used. The quenching can be explained by the photoinduced electron transfer from the anchored bases at the periphery to the emissive sites of GQD-1.
