Morphology-dependent distribution of Cr2O3 nanoparticles on engineered graphene-based nanocarriers: Comparative SEM, FTIR and EDX characterisation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives are widely investigated as nanocarriers because their morphology and surface chemistry can be tailored for nanoparticle incorporation. Here, we examined how differences in graphene carrier morphology affect the distribution of chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles (NPs). Three graphene-based carriers, namely graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and spherical reduced graphene oxide (SrGO), were prepared using modified Hummers’ oxidation, chemical reduction, and aerosol spray-freezing approaches, respectively. Cr2O3 NPs were incorporated into each carrier under the same experimental conditions, and the resulting composites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). SEM revealed clear differences in Cr2O3 distribution among the three carriers. In particular, SrGO showed a more extensive and relatively homogeneous nanoparticle distribution across the observed regions, which coincided with its crumpled three-dimensional morphology and irregular surface features. Representative EDX measurements also showed differences in relative Cr abundance among GO–Cr2O3, rGO–Cr2O3, and SrGO–Cr2O3. These EDX data were interpreted semi-quantitatively because replicate measurements were not available. Taken together, the findings show that graphene carrier morphology is associated with differences in the surface distribution of Cr2O3 NPs. The present results provide a basis for further quantitative studies of graphene–Cr2O3 nanocomposites and their potential use in catalysis, environmental remediation, and related applications.
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214937082