Graphene-Based Catalytic Surfaces Decorated with Au and Cu Nanoparticles: A Model Approach toward e-Waste-Derived Catalysts

Publication date: 20 Lug 2026

JournalSource: OPENALEXOpenAlex type: articleOpen Access
Authors: Vittorio Scardaci, Stefano Boscarino, Luca Pulvirenti, Giusy Dativo, Francesco Ruffino, Guglielmo G. Condorelli, Salvatore Sciré, Roberto Fiorenza, Giuseppe Compagnini

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The increasing demand for sustainable technologies and resource efficiency is driving the development of materials that can both mitigate CO 2 emissions and recover valuable metals from e-waste. In this work, we report a simple and environmentally friendly approach for fabricating catalytic surfaces based on laser-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with gold or copper nanoparticles (Au or Cu NPs). The process involves laser reduction of graphene oxide, followed by immersion in aqueous Au 3+ or Cu 2+ model solutions, simulating metal leachate from an e-waste recovery process. Morphological and chemical analyses (SEM and XPS) confirm the formation of metallic nanoparticles. The resulting metal@rGO surfaces were tested for CO 2 photothermo-catalytic conversion under simulated solar irradiation, achieving conversion efficiencies above 40%, with CO and CH 4 as the main products. Both catalytic surfaces displayed comparable activity and good stability over three consecutive cycles. This method integrates CO 2 conversion with metal recycling, offering a promising route toward circular catalytic materials.

Origin
ACS Materials Au
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