Graphene-based semiconductor materials for photocatalytic applications

Graphene, a single layer of graphite, has attracted incessant research interest in recent years. Owing to its unique planar structure, large specific surface area, high thermal conductiv ity, and superior electron mobility, graphene is regarded as the ultimate two-dimensional model for preparing composite materials. In particular, the development of graphene-based semiconductor photocatalysts is currently one of the most active interdisciplinary research areas and demonstrations of photocatalytic enhancement are abundant. The nanocompos ites have been widely studied for their usefulness in address ing environment-related issues and resolving the energy crisis. This chapter surveys the literature and discusses the recent progress in the development of graphene-based semiconduc tor materials. The latest synthetic strategies, including sol gel, in situ growth, solution mixing, and hydrothermal and solvothermal method, will be extensively reviewed. Particular emphasis will be directed to the strategies for optimizing the properties of the nanocomposites. Next, the photocatalytic applications of the graphene-based semiconductor materials, including the photodegradation of pollutants, selective trans formations for organic synthesis, water splitting for hydrogen generation, and photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide will also be discussed. The chapter concludes with a summary and an outlook on the existing challenges for future exploitation of the graphene-based nanocomposites, which we hope will help the research community to rationally design smarter and more efficient graphene-based nanocomposites in the near future.