Graphene oxide: Exploiting its unique properties toward visible-light-driven photocatalysis

• Graphene oxide (GO) is emerging as new, promising metal-free photocatalyst materials.
• Physiochemical properties of GO can be favourably tailored to facilitate photocatalytic applications by simple chemical modifications.
• GO has tunable gap energy in correlation to the oxidation degree, allowing manipulation for visible light activity.

The oxygen-containing functionalities on the aromatic scaffold of graphene oxide (GO) enable these materials to facilitate both ionic and non-ionic interactions with a huge range of molecules. Endowed with a plethora of extraordinary properties, GO demonstrates remarkable potential in the field of photocatalysis. Furthermore, the tunability of its physiochemical properties by the facile exploitation of surface modifications and edge defects renders GO an even more intriguing nanomaterial. In this paper, the fundamental aspects on the manipulation of GO for the enhancement in photocatalytic performance will be thoroughly discussed. To mediate further research and development in this area, the current technical challenges faced as well as future research directions will also be included in this paper.

Graphene oxide as functional standalone photocatalyst.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide