Production of Graphene and Nanoparticle Catalysts Supported on Graphene Using Microwave Radiation

Abstract

Microwave irradiation is used to synthesize graphene and metallic nanocatalysts supported on graphene either by solid or solution phase. In solid phase methods, no solvents or additional reducing agents are required so the methods are “environmentally friendly” and economical, and the graphene and nanocatalysts are substantially free of residual contaminants. Recyclable, high efficiency Pd nanocatalysts are prepared by these methods.

1 . A method of producing graphene, comprising the step of irradiating solid graphite oxide (GO) with microwave radiation, wherein said method is carried out in the absence of chemical reducing agents and solvents. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said graphene is substantially free of residual contaminants. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said GO provided in said providing step is mixed with at least one metal or metal alloy and said exposing step produces metal or metal alloy nanoparticles supported on said graphene. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one metal or metal alloy is selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Pd. Co, Pd, Co, Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Sc, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Hm, Er, Yb, Al, Ga, Sn, Pb, In, Mg, Ca, Sr, Na, K, Rb, and Cs. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one metal or metal alloy is Pd. 
     
     
         6 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said Pd is substantially free of residual contaminants. 
     
     
         16 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A catalyst comprising metal nanoparticles supported on a graphene sheet, wherein said metal nanoparticles are substantially evenly distributed on said graphene sheet. 
     
     
         22 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein said metal nanoparticles are Pd nanoparticles. 
     
     
         23 . The catalyst of  claim 22 , wherein said Pd nanoparticles are present at a density of 1-25 nanoparticles per 100 2  of said graphene sheet. 
     
     
         24 . A method of producing a catalyst comprising a metal or metal alloy on a graphene support, comprising the steps of
 mixing solid graphite oxide (GO) with at least one metal or metal alloy that is a catalyst; and   irradiating the mixture of solid graphite oxide (GO) and the at least one metal or metal alloy with microwave radiation;   wherein the step of irradiating is carried out in the absence of chemical reducing agents and solvents, and   wherein the irradiating step produces the catalyst comprising a metal or metal alloy on a graphene support.