UV photolysis-induced generation of graphene/M (M=Ag/Au) hybrid nanomaterials

The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) can be induced by the photolysis of silver or gold ions under UV light, resulting in the formation of G/M (M=Ag/Au) hybrid nanomaterials. This one-pot reduction method was performed using GO aqueous solution and silver ammonia solution or chloroauric acid solution under UV light. No additional chemical reductant was involved during the synthetic process. The existence of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of graphene nanosheets and the reduction of GO were characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED, FTIR and XPS. The obtained hybrid nanomaterial exhibits SERS activity and thus has a potential application as SERS substrate.

► G/M (M=Ag/Au) were obtained under ultraviolet light without any additional reductant.
► Photolysis of M ions under ultraviolet light induced reduction of GO simultaneously.
► The existence of Ag nanoparticles on graphene was characterized by XRD, TEM and SAED.
► The reduction of GO was characterized by FTIR and XPS.
► G/Ag film exhibits SERS activity and has a potential application as SERS substrate.