General aspects in the use of graphenes in catalysis

Abstract

This perspective is aimed at presenting some issues that, in our opinion, have still to be better addressed in the field of graphenes as catalysts. After an introductory section, the article comments on how the number of layers present on the catalyst, termed frequently as graphene, could be in some cases in contradiction with good practices about what should be or not considered as graphene. It will also be commented that some of the characterization tools that are employed in some cases for graphenes as catalysts, like specific surface area measurements based on isothermal gas adsorption on powders or XRD patterns are not well suited to characterizing graphenes. The potential role of impurities and structural defects in graphene catalysis has been highlighted showing the importance of providing exhaustive analysis of the materials. This perspective includes a final section with our view on future progress and wider consensus in the use of graphene in catalysis.