Facile sol–gel synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/silica nanocomposites

Novel silica-containing nanocomposites with a controlled carbon phase based on high quality reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were prepared via a cheap and facile sol–gel method, followed by pyrolysis in inert gas atmosphere. The resulting nanocomposite materials have an intimate bonding between rGO of low defect density and a partially crystalline silica matrix, as shown by Raman, FTIR and HRTEM studies. This processing route allows a straight-forward control of the content of the carbon phase and an excellent dispersion thereof within the silica matrix.