Rapid preparation of noble metal nanocrystals via facile coreduction with graphene oxide and their enhanced catalytic properties

Abstract

We present the facile preparation results of noble metal nanostructures induced by graphene via rapid coreduction by Ti(3+) at room temperature. Such a reduction of graphene oxide (GO) can be readily performed in solutions or on various substrates within seconds. High quality noble metal nanocrystals can be prepared by using graphene as the controlling agent at room temperature, including Rh, Au and Rh-Pt nanodendrites and Pd nanoparticles, showing the roles of graphene on tuning the growth behaviors of nanostructures. These surface clean Pd nanoparticles show high catalytic activity and selectivity in Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions.