New strategy uses graphene quantum dots to boost catalysts

Rice University researchers, in collaboration with teams at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Saskatchewan, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and CAS, have used graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to assemble what they say may transform chemical catalysis by greatly increasing the number of transition-metal single atoms that can be placed into a carbon carrier.

The process uses functionalized graphene quantum dots to trap transition metals for higher metal loading single-atom catalysis. Illustration courtesy of the Wang Group (from Rice Uni website)

The technique uses graphene quantum dots, 3-5-nanometer particles of graphene, as anchoring supports. These facilitate high-density transition-metal single atoms with enough space between the atoms to avoid clumping.