Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to CoNiFe nanostructured catalysts, and the use of such catalysts in the electrochemical conversion of methane to methanol. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to nanocube catalysts having the formula Co1-xNixFe2O4.

Abstract: The present application relates to expanded graphite and exfoliated graphene oxide. More specifically, the present application relates to process for their preparation and uses thereof. The present application includes a process for preparing expanded graphite comprising: mixing graphite with H2SO4/H3PO4 to form a first mixture; adding KMnO4 to the first mixture to form a second and mixture; adding at least one Fe(III) salt to the second mixture under conditions to form a solid graphite-intercalated compound; separating the solid graphite-intercalated compound from the second mixture; and heating the solid graphite-intercalated compound under conditions to provide the expanded graphite.

Abstract: A one-pot approach for the scalable production of novel interconnected reduced graphene oxide (IC-RGO) is demonstrated). The method consists of two steps: oxidation of graphite into graphene oxide (GO); and concomitant reduction and interconnection of GO. IC-RGO is formed without additional chemical and reduction agents. Instead, interconnection of graphene oxide is enabled thorough inherently presenting oxygen functional groups produced during the first step of synthesis.

Abstract: Doping and functionalization could significantly assist in the improvement of the electrochemical properties of graphene derivatives. Herein, we report a one-pot synthesis of fluorinated graphene oxide (FGO) from graphite. The surface morphology, functionalities and composition of the resulting FGO have been studied using various surface characterization techniques, revealing that layer-structured nanosheets with ˜1.0 at. % F were formed. The carbon bound F exhibited semi-ionic bonding characteristic and significantly increased the capacitance of FGO compared to graphene oxide (GO). Further, the FGO has been employed for the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry; and a substantial improvement in the electrochemical sensing performance is achieved in comparison with GO.

Abstract: A one-pot approach for the scalable production of novel interconnected reduced graphene oxide (IC-RGO) is demonstrated). The method consists of two steps: oxidation of graphite into graphene oxide (GO); and concomitant reduction and interconnection of GO. IC-RGO is formed without additional chemical and reduction agents. Instead, interconnection of graphene oxide is enabled thorough inherently presenting oxygen functional groups produced during the first step of synthesis.

Abstract: Doping and functionalization could significantly assist in the improvement of the electrochemical properties of graphene derivatives. Herein, we report a one-pot synthesis of fluorinated graphene oxide (FGO) from graphite. The surface morphology, functionalities and composition of the resulting FGO have been studied using various surface characterization techniques, revealing that layer-structured nanosheets with ˜1.0 at. % F were formed. The carbon bound F exhibited semi-ionic bonding characteristic and significantly increased the capacitance of FGO compared to graphene oxide (GO). Further, the FGO has been employed for the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry; and a substantial improvement in the electrochemical sensing performance is achieved in comparison with GO.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the marriage of photocatalytic degradation and electrochemical oxidation to provide wastewater remediation and water purification based on the use of bifunctional electrodes. The bifunctional electrode provides for combined photocatalytic and electrochemical wastewater remediation for removing any one or combination of organic chemical pollutants, inorganic chemical pollutants and microorganisms. The electrode includes an electronically conducting substrate having a photocatalyst applied to a portion of the surface, the photocatalyst having a bandgap energy (Eg), and an electrocatalyst applied to another portion of the surface. Under illumination the photocatalyst produces electron-hole pairs which are separated by an anodic bias potential applied across the photocatalyst. The same bias is applied across the electrocatalyst.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanoporous material, the method comprising the steps of: (i) heating a substrate in the presence of at least one reducing agent and at least one precursor solution; and (ii) cooling the resulting nanoporous material. The nanoporous material may be used for detection of a substrate, for an electrode in a fuel cell, and as a catalyst in the electro-oxidation of an organic species.