Graphene-Based Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Applications: Emphasis on Environmental Remediation

Abstract

Graphene is one of the most promising and potential materials in the field of nanotechnology due to its high specific surface area, unique planar structure, better conductivity and extraordinary chemical stability. It is considered as an extremely potential material for development of various nanocomposites for enormous applications. The optical and electrical properties of graphene are enhanced by preparation of its composites with inorganic nanomaterials, polymers or using functionalized graphene such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide. Superior and controllable optical properties of graphene-based nanocomposites make them excellent photocatalysts. Nanocomposites based on graphene exhibit suppressed electron–hole pair recombination rates and diminish energy gaps due to valence band-level and conduction band-level modifications, leading to the better adsorption of light radiation and enhancement in the photocatalytic performance of nanocomposites. This chapter will present an overview of state-of-the-art graphene as well as functionalized graphene-based nanocomposites and their photocatalytic activity for degradation of organic pollutants. In this chapter, various strategies will be demonstrated to synthesize graphene-based nanocomposites. The effect of various components such as inorganic nanoparticles, polymeric materials and graphene analogue on photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites will be reported. The goal of this study is to provide the latest and advance analysis in the area of developing nanotechnology for photocatalytic application.