Preparation and Characterization of Graphene/Europium Oxide Composites

Abstract

Eu2O3/graphene nanocomposites have been synthesized using graphite oxide and europium nitrate as precursor for graphene and europium oxide, respectively. Graphene coated by nanosized Eu2O3 particles has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. TEM analysis images illustrated that the as-formed Eu2O3 nanoparticles were densely and uniformly deposited on the graphene nanosheets. The good distribution of Eu2O3 nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets improved the thermal stability of Eu2O3/graphene namocomposites. A plausible mechanism for formation of the intriguing nanocomposite has been proposed. Moreover, Eu2O3/graphene nanocomposites exhibited both optical and electrical properties. These Eu2O3/graphene nanocomposites show potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic systems.