Electron transfer between methyl viologen radicals and graphene oxide: Reduction, electron storage and discharge

Photochemically generated methyl viologen radicals undergo electron transfer with graphene oxide (GO) in ethanol suspensions. This charge transfer interaction results in the reduction of GO as well as storage of electrons. The stored electrons can be utilized to reduce Ag+ ions and thus anchor silver nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The spectroscopic experiments that elucidate the quantitative electron transfer and transmission electron microscopy that highlights the potential of designing metal–RGO assemblies are discussed.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Electron transfer between methyl viologen radicals and graphene oxide (GO) in ethanol suspensions. ► Reduction of GO as well as storage of electrons. ► The stored electrons are utilized to reduce Ag+ ions and thus anchor silver nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO). ► Designing metal–RGO assemblies are discussed.