Highly ordered multilayered 3D graphene decorated with metal nanoparticles

Abstract

Highly ordered multi-layered three-dimensional (3D) graphene structures decorated with Pd, Pt and Au metal nanoparticles are prepared and characterized. The ability to control the morphology, distribution and size of the metal nanoparticles on the 3D graphene support upon changing the electro- and electroless-deposition conditions is demonstrated. Tailor-made Pt nanostructures, with nanospike and nanoparticle shapes, are prepared using electroless deposition techniques. Au nanoflowers and nanoparticle structures and Pd nanocubes are obtained following electrodeposition onto the 3D graphene support. The deposition patterns and trends are characterized. The greatly enhanced electrocatalytic activity of the metal-NP–graphene surfaces has been illustrated in connection to voltammetric measurements of ORR and hydrogen peroxide at 3D-graphene coated with Pt and Pd nanoparticles, respectively. Such metal nanoparticles decorated multi-layer 3D graphene allows for high mass transport access and catalytic activity for a diverse range of applications, including sensor and fuel-cell technologies.