Electrochemical co-reduction synthesis of graphene/Au nanocomposites in ionic liquid and their electrochemical activity

Graphene oxide (GO) and Au(Ш) are electrochemically co-reduced in ionic liquid to prepare graphene/Au nanocomposites. The electrochemical reduction processes were recorded by I-t curves, which indicate that the simultaneous reduction of GO and Au(Ш) is favorable to each other. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the complete reduction of GO. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results reveal that Au particles with a diameter of about 10 nm are dispersed uniformly on the electrochemically reduced graphene (ER-G). Furthermore, the electrochemical activity of ER-G/Au nanocomposites was evaluated and the ER-G/Au nanocomposites electrode demonstrates great electrochemical catalytic activity and stability.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (82KB)Download full-size imageResearch highlights►Graphene oxide and Au(Ш) are electrochemically co-reduced in ionic liquid. ►The simultaneous reduction of graphene oxide and Au(Ш) is favorable to each other. ►The prepared graphene/gold nanocomposites display great electrochemical activity.