Controlling size, amount, and crystalline structure of nanoparticles deposited on graphenes for highly efficient energy conversion and storage

Phase-Controlled Iron Oxide Nanobox Deposited on Hierarchically Structured Graphene Networks for Lithium Ion Storage and Photocatalysis

The phase control, hierarchical architecturing and hybridization of iron oxide is important for achieving multifunctional capability for many practical applications. Herein, hierarchically structured reduced graphene oxide (hrGO)/α-Fe2O3 and γ-Fe3O4 nanobox hybrids (hrGO/α-Fe and hrGO/γ-Fe NBhs) are synthesized via a one-pot, hydrothermal process and their functionality controlled by the crystalline phases is adapted for energy storage and photocatalysis. The three-dimensionally (3D) macroporous structure of hrGO/α-Fe NBhs is constructed, while α-Fe2O3 nanoboxes (NBs) in a proximate contact with the hrGO surface are simultaneously grown during a hydrothermal treatment. The discrete α-Fe2O3 NBs are uniformly distributed on the surface of the hrGO/α-Fe and confined in the 3D architecture, thereby inhibiting the restacking of rGO. After the subsequent phase transition into γ-Fe3O4, the hierarchical structure and the uniform distribution of NBs are preserved. Despite lower initial capacity, the hrGO/α-Fe NBhs show better rate and cyclic performances than those of commercial rGO/α-Fe due to the uniform distribution of discrete α-Fe2O3 NBs and electronic conductivity, macroporosity, and buffering effect of the hrGO for lithium ion battery anodes. Moreover, the catalytic activity and kinetics of hrGO/γ-Fe NBhs are enhanced for photo-Fenton reaction because of the uniform distribution of discrete γ-Fe3O4 NBs on the 3D hierarchical architecture.

Combined Photothermal and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Effect from Spiky Noble Metal Nanoparticles Wrapped within Graphene-Polymer Layers: Using Layer-by-layer Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide as Reactive Precursors

To fabricate functionally integrated hybrid nanoparticles holds high importance in biomedical applications and is still a challenging task. In this study, we report the first reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-nobel metal hybrid particles that present simultaneously the photothermal and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) effect from the inorganic part and drug loading, dispersibility, and controllability features from LbL polyelectrolyte multilayers. The hybrid particles where spiky noble metal particles were wrapped within rGO-polyelectrolyte layers were prepared by a facile and controllable method. rGO template modified using polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) via layer-by-layer technology served as the reactive precursors, and the morphologies of the particles could be facilely controlled via controlling the number of bilayers around the rGO template. The hybrid particle presented low cytotoxicity. After loading doxorubicin hydrochloride, the particles effectively induced cell death, and photothermal treatment further decreased cell viability. rGO-Ag hybrid particles could be prepared similarly. We expect the reported method provides an effective strategy to prepare rGO-noble metal hybrid nanoparticles that find potential biomedical applications.

High density decoration of noble metal nanoparticles on polydopamine-functionalized molybdenum disulphide

Here, we report a highly stable colloidal suspension of nanoparticles (i.e., Pt and Au)-deposited MoS2 sheets, in which polydopamine (PD) serves as surface functional groups. The adoption of polydopamine coating onto the MoS2 surface enables homogeneous deposition of nanoparticles in an aqueous solution. As-synthesized nanohybrids are thoroughly characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. These intensive investigations reveal that noble metal nanocrystals are uniformly distributed on the surface of ultrathin MoS2 sheets (∼4 layers). Moreover, as-prepared Au/PD/MoS2 nanohybrids can be applied as a heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, and they exhibit an excellent catalytic activity.

Sonochemical-assisted synthesis of 3D graphene/nanoparticle foams and their application in supercapacitor

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted much attention in application of electrochemical devices. Construction of three-dimensional (3D) heterostructured composites is promising for establishing high-performance devices, which enables large surface area, facilitated ion and electron transport, and synergistic effects between multicomponents. Here, we report a simple and general sonochemical-assisted synthesis to prepare various 3D porous graphene/nanoparticle (i.e., Pt, Au, Pd, Ru, and MnO2) foams using colloidal template. The 3D porous network structure of composite foams significantly improves a large surface area of around 550m(2)g(-1) compared to the bare graphene (215m(2)g(-1)). This unique structure of 3D graphene/MnO2 enables further improvement of electrochemical characteristics, compared with bare graphene/MnO2 composite, showing a high specific capacitance of 421Fg(-1) at 0.1Ag(-1), high rate capability (97% retention at 20Ag(-1)), and good cycling performance (97% retention over 1000 cycles). Moreover, electrochemical impedance analysis demonstrates that electron and ion transfer are triggered by 3D porous structure.

CO2-activated, hierarchical trimodal porous graphene frameworks for ultrahigh and ultrafast capacitive behavior

Herein, we demonstrate CO2-activated macroscopic graphene architectures with trimodal pore systems that consist of 3D inter-networked macroporosity arising from self-assembly, mesoporosity arising from the intervoids of nanosheets, and microporosity via CO2 activation. The existence of micropores residing in hierarchical structures of trimodal porous graphene frameworks (tGFs) contributes to greatly improve the surface area and pore volume, which are ∼3.8 times greater than typical values of existing 3D macroporous graphene monoliths. As confirmed by the specific capacity, the kinetic parameters, and the regeneration capability for chemical adsorption as well as the specific capacitance, the rate capability, and the cycle stability for electrochemical energy storage, the tGFs have an ideal texture for high performance capacitive materials. Furthermore, the tGFs obtain the structurally and energetically homogeneous surface active sites, which dominantly operate through the π-π interactions for adsorption. Consequently, the ultrahigh capacitance and ultrafast capacitive performance of the tGFs for both chemical and electrochemical adsorptions are attributed to hierarchical trimodal porosity and surface chemistry. These results offer a chemical approach combining self-assembly with conventional activation for the construction of 3D hierarchical structures with multimodal porosity.

Photochemical synthesis of noble metal (Ag, Pd, Au, Pt) on graphene/ZnO multihybrid nanoarchitectures as electrocatalysis for H2O2 reduction

For the first time, a series of noble metal (Ag, Au, Pd, and Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) based on new functional graphene were successfully achieved via UV-assisted photocatalytic reduction by ZnO nanorods. The whole preparation strategy for constructing noble metal deposited graphene sheets/ZnO (GS/ZnO) was elucidated in detail in this work. First, graphene oxide based two-dimensional carbon nanostructures served as a support to disperse ZnO nanorods through a hydrothermal route. The ZnO nanorods were self-assembled onto the surface of graphene sheets, forming GS/ZnO nanocomposite, and the graphene oxide was reduced, yielding reduced graphene sheets in this synthetic procedure. Second, the GS/ZnO films were further employed as supporting materials for the dispersion of metal nanoparticles. Photogenerated electrons from UV-irradiated ZnO were transported across GS to stepwise and respectively reduce v μL metal ions (Ag(+), Pd(2+), AuCl4(-), PtCl6(2-), 20 mg/mL) into metal (Ag, Pd, Au, Pt) NPs at a location distinct from the ZnO anchored site, forming five graphene-based hybrid nanocomposites designated as GS/ZnO, GS/ZnO@Agv, GS/ZnO@Pdv, GS/ZnO@Auv, GS/ZnO@Ptv, respectively. The obtained mutihybrid nanoarchitectured materials were clearly characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the diameters and distribution, the four metal NPs on GS/ZnO were divided into two categories: Ag&Au and Pd&Pt. Their difference was rooted in the rival abilities of gathering electron between graphene and different metal islands in the photochemical reduction process. The electrochemical behaviors of the five resultant hybrid nanocomposites were investigated in H2O2 as well as in potassium ferricyanide (Fe(CN)6(3-/4-)) and displayed distinct electrocatalytic activity.

Electroactive nanoparticle directed assembly of functionalized graphene nanosheets into hierarchical structures with hybrid compositions for flexible supercapacitors

Hierarchical structures of hybrid materials with the controlled compositions have been shown to offer a breakthrough for energy storage and conversion. Here, we report the integrative assembly of chemically modified graphene (CMG) building blocks into hierarchical complex structures with the hybrid composition for high performance flexible pseudocapacitors. The formation mechanism of hierarchical CMG/Nafion/RuO2 (CMGNR) microspheres, which is triggered by the cooperative interplay during the in situ synthesis of RuO2 nanoparticles (NPs), was extensively investigated. In particular, the hierarchical CMGNR microspheres consisting of the aggregates of CMG/Nafion (CMGN) nanosheets and RuO2 NPs provided large surface area and facile ion accessibility to storage sites, while the interconnected nanosheets offered continuous electron pathways and mechanical integrity. The synergistic effect of CMGNR hybrids on the supercapacitor (SC) performance was derived from the hybrid composition of pseudocapacitive RuO2 NPs with the conductive CMGNs as well as from structural features. Consequently, the CMGNR-SCs showed a specific capacitance as high as 160 F g(-1), three-fold higher than that of conventional graphene SCs, and a capacitance retention of >95% of the maximum value even after severe bending and 1000 charge-discharge tests due to the structural and compositional features.

Electrochemical assembly of MnO₂ on ionic liquid-graphene films into a hierarchical structure for high rate capability and long cycle stability of pseudocapacitors

Hierarchical nanostructures are of prime importance due to their large surface area, easy accessibility to reaction sites, fast ion and electron transport, and mechanical integrity. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of hierarchically structured MnO₂/ionic liquid-reduced graphene oxide (IL-RGO) nanocomposites through the electrochemical self-assembly. The structures of MnO₂/IL-RGO nanocomposites and their formation mechanism are investigated by spectroscopic methods and as a consequence, correlated with the electrochemical behaviours. The specific capacitance (511 F g⁻¹) of conformally MnO₂-deposited IL-RGO composites is significantly higher than 159 F g⁻¹ of pure MnO₂ film. High rate capability (61% retention at 30 A g⁻¹) of the MnO₂/IL-RGO composite is attributed to the facilitated ion diffusion and electron transport, whereas its long cycle life (95% retention after 2000 cycles) is related to the mechanical robustness. These results provide a new insight into the rational design of hierarchical and complex heterostructures consisting of carbon nanomaterials and metal oxides for applications in energy conversion and storage.