Abstract: Materials and methods for removing contaminants from liquids such as water are provided. The materials are graphene oxide-based materials that are chemically modified to comprise functional groups that adsorb a wide variety of pollutants such as heavy metals, nitrates, and phosphates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to produce graphene and nanoparticle catalysts supported on graphene without the use of reducing agents, and with the concomitant production of heat, are provided. The methods and apparatuses employ radiant energy to reduce (deoxygenate) graphite oxide (GO) to graphene, or to reduce a mixture of GO plus one or more metals to produce nanoparticle catalysts supported on graphene. Methods and systems to generate and utilize heat that is produced by irradiating GO, graphene and their metal and semiconductor nanocomposites with visible, infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation, e.g. using sunlight, lasers, etc. are also provided.

Abstract: Microwave irradiation is used to synthesize graphene and metallic nanocatalysts supported on graphene either by solid or solution phase. In solid phase methods, no solvents or additional reducing agents are required so the methods are “environmentally friendly” and economical, and the graphene and nanocatalysts are substantially free of residual contaminants. Recyclable, high efficiency Pd nanocatalysts are prepared by these methods.

Abstract: Microwave irradiation is used to synthesize graphene and metallic nanocatalysts supported on graphene either by solid or solution phase. In solid phase methods, no solvents or additional reducing agents are required so the methods are “environmentally friendly” and economical, and the graphene and nanocatalysts are substantially free of residual contaminants. Recyclable, high efficiency Pd nanocatylysts are prepared by these methods.

Abstract: Microwave irradiation is used to synthesize graphene and metallic nanocatalysts supported on graphene either by solid or solution phase. In solid phase methods, no solvents or additional reducing agents are required so the methods are “environmentally friendly” and economical, and the graphene and nanocatalysts are substantially free of residual contaminants. Recyclable, high efficiency Pd nanocatylysts are prepared by these methods.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to produce graphene and nanoparticle catalysts supported on graphene without the use of reducing agents, and with the concomitant production of heat, are provided. The methods and apparatuses employ radiant energy to reduce (deoxygenate) graphite oxide (GO) to graphene, or to reduce a mixture of GO plus one or more metals to to produce nanoparticle catalysts supported on graphene. Methods and systems to generate and utilize heat that is produced by irradiating GO, graphene and their metal and semiconductor nanocomposites with visible, infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation, e.g. using sunlight, lasers, etc. are also provided.

Abstract: A method of making Cu, Zn, and/or Cu/Zn alloy nanoparticles subjects one or more targets to laser energy to form a vapor and condenses the vapor to form nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 20 nm. The optional application of an electric field results in nanoparticles with aspect ratios greater than 1.0. The target(s) can be a single target or separate targets comprising a mixture of copper, zinc, and/or copper/zinc. When separate targets are used, the laser beam can be split to form two separate beams each of which is made incident upon one of the targets. The nanoparticles can be formed in a chamber having an inert atmosphere or a reactive atmosphere and a convection current is created in the chamber by maintaining the top plate at a lower temperature than the bottom plate.

Abstract: A method of making Cu, Zn, and/or Cu/Zn alloy nanoparticles subjects one or more targets to laser energy to form a vapor and condenses the vapor to form nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 20 nm. The optional application of an electric field results in nanoparticles with aspect ratios greater than 1.0. The target(s) can be a single target or separate targets comprising a mixture of copper, zinc, and/or copper/zinc. When separate targets are used, the laser beam can be split to form two separate beams each of which is made incident upon one of the targets. The nanoparticles can be formed in a chamber having an inert atmosphere or a reactive atmosphere and a convection current is created in the chamber by maintaining the top plate at a lower temperature than the bottom plate.