It is difficult to keep the balance of high quality and high yield for graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Because the quality is uncontrollable during cutting large 2D nanosheets to small 0D nanodots by top-down methods and the yield is low for GQDs with high quality obtained from bottom-up strategy. Here, aphanitic graphite (AG), a low-cost graphite contains a large amount of small graphite nanocrystals with size of about 10 nm is used as the precursor of graphene oxide quantum dots (GO-QDs) for the first time. GO-QDs with high yield and high quality were successfully obtained directly by liquid phase exfoliating AG without high strength cutting. The yield of these GO-QDs can reach up to 40 wt. %, much higher than that obtained from flake graphite (FG) precursor (less than 10 wt. %). The size of GO-QDs can be controlled in 2–10 nm. The average thickness of GO-QDs is about 3 nm, less than 3 layer of graphene sheet. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with different surface properties can be easily obtained by simple hydrothermal treatment of GO-QDs, which can be used as highly efficient fluorescent probe. Developing AG as precursor for GQDs offers a way to produce GQDs in a low-cost, highly effective and scalable manner.

Photocatalysis represents a sustainable strategy for addressing energy shortages and global warming. The main challenges in the photocatalytic process include limited light absorption, rapid recombination of photo-induced carriers, and poor surface catalytic activity for reactant molecules. Defect engineering in photocatalysts has been proven to be an efficient approach for improving solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Sulfur vacancies can adjust the electron structure, act as electron reservoirs, and provide abundant adsorption and activate sites, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. In this work, we aim to elucidate the role of sulfur vacancies in photocatalytic reactions and provide valuable insights for engineering high-efficiency photocatalysts with abundant sulfur vacancies in the future. First, we delve into the fundamental understanding of photocatalysis. Subsequently, various strategies for fabricating sulfur vacancies in photocatalysts are summarized, along with the corresponding characterization techniques. More importantly, the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism, focusing on three key factors, including electron structure, charge transfer, and the surface catalytic reaction, is discussed in detail. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges in sulfur vacancy engineering for photocatalysis are identified.

Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S nanorods with a suitable bandgap and aspect ratio displayed the highest photoresponse to visible light. Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S/RGO nanocomposites with line-to-line interface exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity.