Anchoring semiconductor and metal nanoparticles on a two-dimensional catalyst mat. Storing and shuttling electrons with reduced graphene oxide.
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.
Lightcap
Ian V
IV
Radiation Laboratory, Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-0579, USA.
Kosel
Thomas H
TH
Kamat
Prashant V
PV
D000327:Adsorption; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D004583:Electrons; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry*; D012666:Semiconductors
D010087:Oxides; D002244:Carbon; D006108:Graphite