Ag nanoparticles supported on N-doped graphene hybrids for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Abstract

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) supported on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (Ag/N–RGO) hybrids were prepared by a combined solvothermal approach and microwave-polyol method. Compared to Ag NPs grown on undoped reduced graphene oxide (Ag/RGO), Ag/N–RGO exhibited better NPs dispersion, smaller particle size, and stronger NP–graphene interactions. The catalytic ability of Ag/N–RGO was evaluated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with NaBH₄, revealing that Ag/N–RGO showed a higher catalytic ability than Ag NPs or N–RGO alone, and Ag/RGO, which was due possibly to the synergetic effects between Ag NPs and N–RGO. Furthermore, the durability of Ag/N–RGO was much better than that of Ag/RGO. These results indicate that Ag/N–RGO has a great potential for application in catalytic reduction of 4-NP.