Facile assembly and properties of polystyrene microsphere/reduced graphene oxide/Ag composite

A green and facile synthesis for rGO/Ag nanocomposites using one-step chemical co-reduction route at ambient temperature and combined first principles theoretical analyze

Recently, graphene decorated with various inorganic nanoparticles, such as Pt, Au, Ag, TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄, among which Ag nanocomposites are good candidates for electronics, optics, electrochemistry and catalysis. However, preparation techniques for Ag nanoparticles/carbon matrix hybrids require tedious multi-step processes often involving toxic reducing agents/high temperatures which is not viable for scalable production. Here, a facile, one step and eco-friendly chemical co-reduction route was utilized to synthesis of a new nanocomposites by Ag nanoparticle anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) at ambient temperature and combined first principles theoretical analyze their interfacial adsorption behavior, is reported. In this way, graphene oxide (GO) and Ag⁺ simultaneously reduced by thiourea dioxide (TD) without using any additional reduced reactants. Results indicated that GO was successfully reduced to rGO and well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles with sizes of 6-7 nm, anchored on the surface of rGO sheets. Reduction mechanism was attributed to the synergistic effect of its hydrolysis products in aqueous media. The experiment and theoretical calculation results obtained demonstrate this method to be applicable to the synthesis of other metals on rGO sheets in order to improve wettability and interfacial bonding between rGO and metal and may possibly find various forthcoming medicinal, industrial and technological applications.

Amorphous GeOx-Coated Reduced Graphene Oxide Balls with Sandwich Structure for Long-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries

Amorphous GeOx-coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) balls with sandwich structure are prepared via a spray-pyrolysis process using polystyrene (PS) nanobeads as sacrificial templates. This sandwich structure is formed by uniformly coating the exterior and interior of few-layer rGO with amorphous GeOx layers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals a Ge:O stoichiometry ratio of 1:1.7. The amorphous GeOx-coated rGO balls with sandwich structure have low charge-transfer resistance and fast Li(+)-ion diffusion rate. For example, at a current density of 2 A g(-1), the GeOx-coated rGO balls with sandwich and filled structures and the commercial GeO2 powders exhibit initial charge capacities of 795, 651, and 634 mA h g(-1), respectively; the corresponding 700th-cycle charge capacities are 758, 579, and 361 mA h g(-1). In addition, at a current density of 5 A g(-1), the rGO balls with sandwich structure have a 1600th-cycle reversible charge capacity of 629 mA h g(-1) and a corresponding capacity retention of 90.7%, as measured from the maximum reversible capacity at the 100th cycle.

Latex routes to graphene-based nanocomposites

This review article describes recent advances in the elaboration of graphene-based colloidal nanocomposites by the use of graphene or graphene oxide in heterophase polymerization systems.

Facile assembly of a polystyrene microsphere/graphene oxide/porphyrin composite with core–shell structure

A new type of ternary composite with a core–shell structure was easily assembled, which showed high UV stability and thermostability.

Silica/ultrasmall Ag composite microspheres: facile synthesis, characterization and antibacterial and catalytic performance

Uniform silica/ultrasmall silver composite microspheres have been successfully prepared from silica microspheres and [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺via a hydrothermal process. The as-prepared silica/Ag microspheres exhibit an excellent antibacterial performance towards E. coli.