Fabrication of hybrids based on graphene and metal nanoparticles by in situ and self-assembled methods

In this work, we developed two novel strategies to attach metal nanoparticles (Au and Ag) to the surface of graphene nanosheets, in which graphene oxide was first modified by the linking molecule (3-mercaptopropyl) triethoxysilane and then subjected to different treatments including in situ and self-assembled techniques. The synthesis processes and the resulting hybrids were investigated by ultraviolet-visible measurements, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that both approaches could effectively immobilize metal nanoparticles onto a graphene surface, and that better distribution and size control of metal nanoparticles were obtained by the self-assembled method. Moreover, we prepared poly(vinylidene fluoride)/graphene-Ag nanocomposites by a solution blending method. The AC conductivity of the resulting nanocomposites could be increased significantly when the loading amount of graphene-Ag was only 2 wt%. We expect that such graphene-metal nanoparticle hybrids may be potentially useful in composite reinforcement, sensors, and electronic devices. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.