Pristine graphene as a catalyst in reactions with organics containing C=O bonds

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that pristine graphene can catalyze reactions involving C=O bonds in organics, breaking bonds and forming polymers without damaging its structure, revealing new catalytic potential.

Contribution

It provides the first evidence of catalytic activity of pristine graphene in reactions with C=O containing organics, expanding its functional applications.

Findings

C=O bonds are broken and polymers formed on graphene

Reaction rate is highly temperature dependent

Graphene retains its intrinsic properties after reaction

Abstract

Pristine graphene is thought lack of catalytic activity up to date, although using graphene-plus-heteroatom materials as catalysts has become a subject of intensive research because it can be metal saving, eco-friendly and ultimately sustainable. Here we report observations of catalytic reactions of high-quality, clean, pristine graphene when immersed into organics containing C=O bonds, like acetone, acetic acid and acetaldehyde. The C=O bonds were found to break and form polymers including polyethers. The reaction rate is highly temperature dependent. The reaction products mainly physically adsorb on graphene and do not cause increase of defect density in graphene, hence graphene retains its intrinsic properties. This new catalysis shall not only find practical importance but also deepen our understanding on the role of graphene in all graphene based catalysis.