The direct formation of noble metal (Pd, Pt, Au, and Ag) and graphene nanocomposites from graphite

We describe the first time on the direct and facile method for noble metal/graphene nanocomposites from graphite without reductants. In our system, the irradiant white-light instead of the chemical reductant exerts the influence on the synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles on graphene. Noble metal salts adsorbed on the surfaces of graphene flakes which were functionalized with ionic surfactants were reduced by irradiation with white light. In particular, noble metal nanoparticles were more evenly distributed on the surface of graphene which was functionalized with SDS than with CTAB.