One-step synthesis of graphene–AuNPs by HMTA and the electrocatalytical application for O2 and H2O2

A green, one-step method for synthesis of graphene–Au nanoparticles (graphene–AuNPs) was introduced in this article, using an environmentally benign hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as reducing and stabilizing agent. HMTA slowly was hydrolyzed to generate aldehyde ammonia to reduce graphene oxides (GO) and hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (Au precursor). The structure and composition of the graphene–AuNPs nanocomposites were studied by means of ultraviolet visible (UV) absorption spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The AuNPs are well-dispersed on graphene nanosheets in narrow size range. The nanocomposites have excellent electrocatalytical properties for catalytic reduction of O2 and H2O2.