Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are prepared by one-pot electrochemical techniques cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at different potentials using graphite rods in ethanol alkaline electrolyte. The electrochemically synthesized CQD is carefully characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Ultra violet absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectrum, Chemiluminescence emission and electrochemical techniques. The morphology and microstructure methods confirm the formation of high quality CQD. The EIS of graphite electrode in NaOH/EtOH confirms the corrosion loop at low frequencies and as potential increases the charge transfer resistance decreases. Finally, we design a new gas diffusion electrode based on CQD pasted on carbon paper for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells and compared it with commercially PteC catalysts using cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
