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We report the development of a facile laser reduction method for the synthesis of laser converted graphene (LCG) from graphite oxide (GO). The method provides a solution processable synthesis of individual graphene sheets in water under ambient conditions without the use of any chemical reducing agent. We also report on the high performance of GO and LCG for the efficient conversion of the laser radiation into usable heat, particularly for heating water for a variety of potential thermal, thermochemical, and thermomechanical applications. SECTION Nanoparticles and Nanostructures

A new approach, based on microwave irradiation, has been developed for the incorporation of a variety of metallic and bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts within the highly porous coordination polymer MIL-101. The observed catalytic activity of the Pd nanocatalyst @ MIL towards CO oxidation is significantly higher than any other reported metal clusters supported on metal-organic frameworks. These materials are promising environmentally relevant catalyst systems.

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Active gold and palladium nanoparticles supported on a variety of oxides (CeO 2 , ZrO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , MgO and ZnO) were synthesized using laser vaporization and microwave irradiation methods. The catalytic activities for CO oxidation on the nanoparticle catalysts were evaluated and compared among different oxide supports. The effect of shape on the catalytic activity is demonstrated by comparing the activities of the Au and Pd catalysts deposited on MgO nanocubes and ZnO nanobelts. The Au/ CeO 2 nanoparticles deposited on MgO nanocubes exhibit high catalytic activity and stability. The enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the presence of a significant concentration of the corner and edge sites in MgO nanocubes. The Au-and Pd-doped Mn 2 O 3 nanoparticles show promising results for the low temperature CO oxidation. Several approaches for incorporating the Au and Pd nanocatalysts within mesoporous oxide supports are presented and discussed.