Herein,
we demonstrate the synthesis and multifunctional properties
of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-wrapped Au nanoplatelets. We have
characterized the sample by field emission scanning electron microscope
(FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM),
energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high-angle annular dark-field
scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-HAADF), electron energy-loss
spectroscopy (EELS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies.
It has been shown that the RGO wraps a large number of 2D circular
Au nanoplatelets (diameter ∼15 nm). We have examined the optical
property of the sample using Raman, UV–vis, and PL spectroscopic
techniques. Large enhancement in intensity of Raman spectra was observed
due to the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) resulting from
the Au nanoplatelets. The collective sway of surface plasmon resonance
and fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect owing to Au gives
rise to giant enhancement in intensity of photoluminescence emission
spectrum. Upon visible-light irradiation, photocurrent flows through
the sample due to interband 6sp transition within the Au nanoplatelets
and it exhibits photocatalytic water splitting effect. The sample
displays excellent nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxides (H2O2) and ascorbic acid (AA) sensing property. The value of sensitivity
for H2O2 is 280.28 μA mM–1 cm–2 in the linear range of 1 μM to 0.8
mM and that for AA is 314.07 μA mM–1 cm–2 in the linear range of 25–300 μM. The
lowest detection limit of both H2O2 and AA is
6.8 μM at S/N= 3. So, the sample can be used for multifunctional
applications in SERS as substrate, photocatalytic water splitting,
photodetectors, and nonenzymatic biosensing.