A Ag–graphene quantum dots (GQDs)–ZnO ternary photocatalyst was prepared using GQDs as both a reducing agent and a cation solvent. Photodegradation performance was improved because of the synergic effect of Ag and GQDs.
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs)/Ag nanoparticles with an unexpected quantum yield of 16.3% are synthesized by an efficient simple solvothermal method at atmospheric pressure.