Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was facilely fabricated by an electrostatic self-assembly strategy.
Sufficient peak-to-peak separation between hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC) was approximately 112 mV.
GQDs/GCE exhibited excellent sensitivity, stability and reproducibility toward HQ and CC, and was applied to detect tap water sample with satisfactory results.