Preparation of Functionalized Graphene and Gold Nanocomposites – Self-assembly and Catalytic Properties

Abstract

Nanocomposites and nanomaterials have been attracting more attention in various fields. Nanocomposites can be prepared with a variety of special physical, thermal, and other unique properties. They have better properties than conventional microscale composites and can be synthesized using simple and inexpensive techniques. A composite material consists of an assemblage of two materials of different natures completing and allowing us to obtain a material of which the set of performance characteristics is greater than that of the components taken separately. In our recent research, some functionalized nanocomposites and nanomaterials have been prepared and investigated. In addition, some of the analytical methods, theoretical treatments, and synthetic tools, which are being applied in the area of self-assembly and supramolecular chemistry, will be highlighted. In this chapter, we summarize our main research contributions in recent years in two sections: (1) preparation and catalytic properties of some functionalized graphene nanocomposites; (2) preparation and catalytic properties of some functionalized gold nanocomposites. These works not only provided important inspirations for developing graphene-hybridized materials but also opened new possibilities to improve the photocatalytic activity of photocatalyst.