Advances in Graphene/Inorganic Nanoparticle Composites for Catalytic Applications

Graphene‐based nanocomposites with inorganic (metal and metal oxide) nanoparticles leads to materials with high catalytic activity for a variety of chemical transformations. Graphene and its derivatives such as graphene oxide, highly reduced graphene oxide, or nitrogen‐doped graphene are excellent support materials due to their high surface area, their extended π‐system, and variable functionalities for effective chemical interactions to fabricate nanocomposites. The ability to fine‐tune the surface composition for desired functionalities enhances the versatility of graphene‐based nanocomposites in catalysis. This review summarizes the preparation of graphene/inorganic NPs based nanocomposites and their use in catalytic applications. We discuss the large‐scale synthesis of graphene‐based nanomaterials. We have also highlighted the interfacial electronic communication between graphene/inorganic nanoparticles and other factors resulting in increased catalytic efficiencies. A combination of graphene with inorganic NPs offers enhanced properties for different catalytic applications. This review showcase strategies to synthesize graphene/inorganic NPs nanocomposites on different scales. In addition, the factors contributing in increased efficiencies for their catalytic applcations are highlited.