Advances in Graphene/Inorganic Nanoparticle Composites for Catalytic Applications

Graphene-based nanocomposites with inorganic (metal and metal oxide) nanoparticles leads to materials with high catalytic activity for a variety of chemical transformations. Graphene and its derivatives such as graphene oxide, highly reduced graphene oxide, or nitrogen-doped graphene are excellent support materials due to their high surface area, their extended pi-system, and variable functionalities for effective chemical interactions to fabricate nanocomposites. The ability to fine-tune the surface composition for desired functionalities enhances the versatility of graphene-based nanocomposites in catalysis. This review summarizes the preparation of graphene/inorganic NPs based nanocomposites and their use in catalytic applications. We discuss the large-scale synthesis of graphene-based nanomaterials. We have also highlighted the interfacial electronic communication between graphene/inorganic nanoparticles and other factors resulting in increased catalytic efficiencies.

Automated summary

Graphene-based nanocomposites with inorganic nanoparticles have high catalytic activity and are widely used in chemical transformations. Graphene and its derivatives are excellent support materials for fabricating nanocomposites due to their high surface area and variable functionalities. The ability to adjust the surface composition enhances the versatility of these nanocomposites in catalysis. This review discusses the preparation and catalytic applications of graphene/inorganic nanoparticles based nanocomposites, and highlights the interfacial electronic communication and other factors that contribute to increased catalytic efficiencies.