Chapter 5 - Graphene-Based Metal Particles

Abstract

Abstract As of this writing, more and more research and development are being directed toward graphene-based metal particles. In the past few years, the momentum in research and development of graphene/noble and nonnoble metal nanostructures has attracted considerable attention of scientists aiming to realize exceptional properties in the composite form. Different methods, such as solvothermal, hydrothermal, physical, and electrochemical techniques, have been developed to fabricate metal/graphene composites. It has been observed that graphene-based metals have a much wider application than graphene or heteroatom-doped graphene. The metal nanoparticles (NPs) are directly anchored on the graphene surface, and no molecular linkers are used to bridge the NPs and the graphene, which may prevent aggregation of the graphene sheets. The interactions between graphene and metals, either noble or nonnoble metals, have enhanced optical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties to a large extent. Noble metal (Pt, Au, Pd, and Ag)-decorated graphene-based hybrid materials have been found to be highly sensitive and selective for gas-sensing, particularly hydrogen-sensing; catalytic; energy storage; photocatalytic; and optoelectronics applications and as sensors and biosensors. Nonnoble metals, such as Ni, Cu, Co, Fe, Cr, and Sn, decorated on graphene have been found to have unusual magnetic properties, excellent electroactivity, and optoelectronic properties and make cost-efficient catalysts and data storage devices. This chapter discusses metal/graphene properties and their applications.