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Anchoring semiconductor and metal nanoparticles on a two-dimensional catalyst mat. Storing and shuttling electrons
Ian V Lightcap1, Thomas H Kosel, Prashant V Kamat
1Radiation Laboratory, Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-0579, USA.
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.
