ABSTRACT
Graphene, a single layer of graphite, has attracted incessant research interest in recent years. Owing to its unique planar structure, large specic surface area, high thermal conductivity, and superior electron mobility, graphene is regarded as the ultimate two-dimensional model for preparing composite materials. In particular, the development of graphene-based semiconductor photocatalysts is currently one of the most active interdisciplinary research areas and demonstrations of photocatalytic enhancement are abundant. The nanocomposites have been widely studied for their usefulness in addressing environment-related issues and resolving the energy crisis. This chapter surveys the literature and discusses the recent progress in the development of graphene-based semiconductor materials. The latest synthetic strategies, including solgel, in situ growth, solution mixing, and hydrothermal and solvothermal method, will be extensively reviewed. Particular emphasis will be directed to the strategies for optimizing the properties of the nanocomposites. Next, the photocatalytic applications of the graphene-based semiconductor materials, including the photodegradation of pollutants, selective transformations for organic synthesis, water splitting for hydrogen generation, and photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide will also be discussed. The chapter concludes with a summary and an outlook on the existing challenges for future exploitation of the graphene-based nanocomposites, which we hope will help the research community to rationally design
smarter and more efcient graphene-based nanocomposites in the near future.
