Functionalizing graphene with clay nanosheets as a protein carrier

In this work, a clay colloid of sodium montmorillonite nanosheets was uniquely selected as a functionalizing reagent to functionalize graphene materials. A model protein horseradish peroxidase was spontaneously adsorbed and loaded on the clay-functionalized graphene. The enzymatic protein on the clay-functionalized graphene displayed much higher enzymatic activity in comparison with the unfunctionalized one and those functionalized ones with other agents. The graphene functionalized with inorganic nanosheets of clay as a carrier for biomolecules may have many applications including sensors, nanocomposites, electrode materials and biofuel cells.