Reduced graphene oxide/silver hybrid with N,N-dimethyl formamide for oxygen reduction reactions and surface enhanced Raman scattering

Abstract

A reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Ag hybrid for oxygen reduction reaction and surface enhanced Raman scattering was prepared and a reasonable reaction path towards the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) was investigated. The structures and properties of RGO and RGO/Ag were characterized by various methods, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal gravity analysis. The results indicated that the reduction time for GO treated by N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) only had slight effect on the reduction degree of RGO; however, the hydrophobicity of RGO increased dramatically with the increasing reaction time, owing to the introduction of hierarchical structures. Instead of the traditional opinion on the DMF involved hydrolysis, we proposed a new possible reaction path rendering the chemical structure of the obtained RGO more reasonable. Furthermore, the obtained RGO/Ag demonstrated to be useful for surface enhanced Raman scattering and an effective catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction. This work was expected to provide inspiration for promoting the synthesis and applications of inorganic particles-decorated RGO hybrids.