Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dots for Real‐Time Electrochemical Bioelectronics

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (N‐GQDs) are increasingly investigated for real‐time electrochemical bioelectronics, yet their performance cannot be explained by nitrogen content or conductivity enhancement alone. This review establishes a structure–interface–device framework linking nitrogen configuration, defect topology, quantum confinement, surface chemistry, and transport architecture to electrochemical behavior under physiologically relevant conditions. Cross‐study analysis indicates function‐dependent roles for nitrogen species: pyridinic nitrogen favors adsorption‐mediated sensing and interfacial charge exchange; pyrrolic nitrogen promotes defect‐assisted Faradaic activity, whereas graphitic nitrogen supports conductive continuity and long‐range electron transport. High‐performing N‐GQD systems generally rely on hierarchical integration with conductive polymers, carbon networks, nanocellulose, or hybrid scaffolds rather than isolated quantum‐dot activity. The reviewed literature also reveals a marked imbalance between analytical sensitivity and practical reliability: detection limits and current amplification are widely reported, while signal drift, biofouling, electrode‐to‐electrode reproducibility, continuous operating lifetime, and performance in physiological fluids remain insufficiently quantified. Protein‐corona evolution, ionic competition, and mechanically induced transport changes therefore emerge as critical determinants of real‐time stability. Future progress requires configuration‐specific benchmarking, scalable synthesis, reproducible manufacturing, physiologically realistic validation, and interpretable AI‐assisted signal processing for clinically robust autonomous N‐GQD bioelectronics and application‐specific electrochemical interface engineering strategies.