Graphene-based Nanomaterials as Organocatalyst

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Graphene is a π-electron rich material capable of interacting with organic molecules. Its derivative graphene oxide (or reduced graphene oxide) offers a large surface area, many hydroxyl, carboxyl and epoxy groups which can accommodate organic molecules that act as active catalytic sites. The graphene oxide supported organocatalysts have boosted significantly the organocatalytic reactions increasing more than ninety percent the catalytic activity and selectivity of specific reactions to important industrial products. The graphene-based heterogeneous organocatalysts are stable, recyclable and of lower cost. The functionalization of graphene oxide with acids, the synthesis of bifunctional acid-base graphene-based catalysts and the doping of graphene with non-metal elements, are the main strategies that are followed for the synthesis of GO-based heterogeneous organocatalysts.