Synthesis and applications of graphene-based noble metal nanostructures

Graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), are ideal platforms for constructing graphene-based nanostructures for various applications. Hybrid materials of noble metal nanocrystal-decorated GO or rGO with novel or enhanced properties and functions have been extensively explored recently. In this mini-review, various approaches for synthesis of graphene-templated noble metal nanomaterials are discussed. In particular, those novel synthetic strategies and interesting architectures are highlighted. Moreover, the applications of graphene-based noble metal nanostructures in fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) will be briefly introduced.