Anchoring semiconductor and metal nanoparticles on a two-dimensional catalyst mat. Storing and shuttling electrons with reduced graphene oxide

Nano Lett. 2010 Feb 10;10(2):577-83. doi: 10.1021/nl9035109.

Abstract

Using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as a two-dimensional support, we have succeeded in selective anchoring of semiconductor and metal nanoparticles at separate sites. Photogenerated electrons from UV-irradiated TiO(2) are transported across RGO to reduce silver ions into silver nanoparticles at a location distinct from the TiO(2) anchored site. The ability of RGO to store and shuttle electrons, as visualized via a stepwise electron transfer process, demonstrates its capability to serve as a catalyst nanomat and transfer electrons on demand to adsorbed species. These findings pave the way for the development of next generation catalyst systems and can spur advancements in graphene-based composites for chemical and biological sensors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Electrons
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Semiconductors*

Substances

  • Oxides
  • Carbon
  • Graphite