Synthesis and Characterization of 2D-Graphene Oxide-Metal Hybrid Systems with Increased Solubility

Abstract

Graphene oxide serves as a precursor to various technologies, which include batteries, biosensors, solar cells, and supercapacitors. Gold nanoparticles exhibit excellent electrochemical and photophysical properties, allowing for electronic absorption and the ability to absorb light energy at the plasmonic wavelength. Palladium nanoparticles are highly sensitive and functional in room temperature, making it an ideal metal for catalytic applications. We report the synthesis of functional graphene oxide from graphite flakes followed by the insertion of gold and palladium nanoparticles through an oleylamine ligand. In this report, the fermi level of graphene oxide (GOx), gold-graphene oxide (Au-GOx), and palladium-graphene oxide (Pd-GOx) was shown to be effectively controlled. Additionally, each system showed complete solubility in ethanol and in the case of Au-GOx, enhanced solubility was seen in tetrahydrofuran as well.