Graphene encapsulated gold nanoparticle-quantum dot heterostructures and their electrochemical characterization

A simple technique for patterning multilayer graphene shell encapsulated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on the silicon substrate and their further surface decoration with semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) is reported. This leads to the fabrication of a novel silicon electrode decorated with GNP-QD hybrids or heterostructures. The morphology, structure, and composition of the GNPs and GNP-QD heterostructures were evaluated using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The heterostructures decorated silicon electrode was also evaluated for the electronic and electrochemical properties. The results showed that the electrical characteristics of the silicon substrate were significantly improved by decorating with GNPs and quantum dots. Furthermore, GNP-QD heterostructure electrode was observed to show significantly increased electrochemical charge transfer activity.