Few layer graphene as a template for Fe-based 2D nanoparticles

Abstract Few layer graphene (FLG) supported structurally flat polygonal and hexagonal iron platelet NPs are prepared by two different high temperature annealing approaches, i.e., under “conventional” and µ-wave assisted heating. Both methods confirm that FLG acts as a template for 2D NPs tailoring, and flat Fe-based NPs with high surface-to-volume ratio are still well dispersed and stable at temperatures as high as several hundreds of C° despite weakened interfacial interactions between FLG and NPs. The high surface-to-volume ratio benefit of 2D NPs geometry is highlighted by mathematical estimation. The additional morphology of grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs) confirms the flat active faceted structures of NPs catalysts.