Solvothermal synthesis and characterizations of graphene-ZnBi12O20 nanocomposites for visible-light driven photocatalytic applications

The Bismuth based Zinc metal oxide (ZnBi₁₂O₂₀) nanorods were synthesized via single step solvothermal approach. The characterization of synthesized hybridized structure was done by several analysis such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UVvis–DRS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, Field-Emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDX), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of ZnBi₁₂O₂₀ and an incorporation of varying weight percentages of GO (1–4 wt %) into ZnBi₁₂O₂₀ catalyst (GZBC) were analyzed under visible light irradiation by the degradation of an aqueous solution of Methylene blue (MB) and Methyl orange (MO) dye. Among various developed nanocomposites, 3 wt% GZBC reduced graphene oxide exfoliated nanocomposites has revealed the degradation efficiency as 96.04, 94.52% at 100 and 120 min for MB and MO respectively with enriched visible light absorption range. The photocatalytic property of 3 wt % reduced graphene oxide exhibits higher degradation behavior than that of other synthesized nano-composites.     

Photovoltaic and UV detector applications of ZnS/rGO nanocomposites synthesized by a green method

The effect of graphene concentration on the photovoltaic and UV detector applications of ZnS/graphene nanocomposites was investigated. The nanocomposites were synthesized by a green, cost-effective, and simple co-precipitation method with different graphene concentrations (5, 10, and 15 wt%) using L-cysteine amino acid as a surfactant and graphene oxide (GO) powder as a graphene source. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the ZnS NPs were decorated on GO sheets and the GO caused a significant decrease in ZnS diameter size. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that the GO sheets were changed into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) during synthesis process. Therefore, L-cysteine amino acid played its role as a reducing agent to reduce the GO. Photovoltaic measurements showed that the graphene caused to increase the efficiency of solar-cell application of ZnS/rGO nanocomposites. In addition, our observation showed that the nanocomposites were suitable as ultraviolet (UV) detectors and graphene concentration increased the responsibility of the detectors.     

An investigation of the mechanism of graphene toughening epoxy

The three different sized chemical functionalized graphene (GO) sheets, namely GO-1 (D₅₀ = 10.79 μm), GO-2 (D₅₀ = 1.72 μm) and GO-3 (D₅₀ = 0.70 μm), were used to fabricate a series of epoxy/GO nanocomposites. Fracture toughness of these materials was assessed. The results indicate that GO sheets were dramatically effective for improving the fracture toughness of the epoxy at a very significant low loading. The enhancement of the epoxy toughness was strongly dependent on the size of GO sheets incorporated. GO-3 with smaller sheet size gave the maximum reinforcement effect compared with GO-1 and GO-2. The incorporation of only 0.1 wt% GO-3 was observed to increase the fracture toughness of pristine epoxy by ∼75%. The toughening mechanism was well understood by fractography analysis of the tested samples. Massive cracks in the fracture surfaces of the epoxy/GO nanocomposites were observed. The GO sheets effectively disturbed and deflected the crack propagation due to its two dimensional structure. GO-3 sheets with smaller size were highly effective in resisting crack propagation, and a large area of whitening zone was observed. The incorporation of GO also enhanced the stiffness and thermal stability of the epoxy.     

Fabrication of ZrO2/rGO nanocomposites by flash sintering under AC electric fields

Ceramic matrix nanocomposites containing graphene possess superior mechanical properties. However, these nanocomposites are very difficult to be prepared using the conventional methods due to severe grain growth and simultaneous degradation of the graphene at high sintering temperatures and long dwell time. Herein, the dense ZrO₂/rGO (reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposites are successfully fabricated by flash sintering of the green compacts consisting of ZrO₂ nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO) at 893–951℃ in merely 5 seconds under the alternating current (AC) electric fields of 130–150 V cm⁻¹. The GO can be in situ thermal reduced during the flash sintering. The as-prepared ZrO₂/rGO nanocomposites exhibit excellent mechanical properties. This study presents a green and simple approach to fabricate the dense ceramic matrix nanocomposites reinforced with graphene at low temperatures in a short time.     

Fabrication of polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanocomposites by liquid/liquid interfacial polymerization and evaluation of their optical,electrical and electrochemical properties

A novel route has been developed to synthesize polypyrrole (PPy)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites via liquid/liquid interfacial polymerization where GO and initiator was dispersed in the aquous phase and the monomer was dissolved in the organic phase. The synthesized samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet–visible absorption (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical and electrical conductivity measurements. A good dispersion of the GO sheets within the PPy matrix was observed from the morphological analysis. The composites exhibited noticeable improvement in thermal stability and electrical conductivity in comparison to pure polypyrrole. The composites showed excellent electrochemical reversibility at the scan rate of 0.1 V/s and good cyclic stability even up to 100th cycle. Newly developed graphene oxide based polypyrrole composite could be applied in electrochemical energy storage device.     

Microwave assisted ultrafast synthesis of graphene oxide based magnetic nano composite for environmental remediation

We have successfully synthesized multi-layer graphene oxide and graphene oxide based magnetic nanocomposite (M/GO) by microwave-assisted modified Hummers’ method for removal of toxic lead (Pb²⁺) and cadmium (Cd²⁺) ions from aqueous solution. The X-ray diffraction spectra of synthesized graphene oxide and M/GO confirm increased interlayer spacing along c-axis. Raman spectra revealed the good quality of synthesized GO and M/GO. The wrinkles were seen in the SEM images of synthesized graphene oxide. The presence of conjugated double bond (CC) and carbonyl (CO) were confirmed by using the UV–Vis spectroscopic spectra. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis showed high (126 m²/g) surface area M/GO composite which accounts for large number of active binding sites for the adsorption of heavy metal ions. The adsorption studies revealed that Pb²⁺ ions were efficiently adsorbed on GO sheets. Interestingly, M/GO showed better adsorption for cadmium ions.     

UiO-66/GO纳米复合材料的合成及其增强的吸附性能

以ZrCl4, 和H2BDC和GO为原料,采用溶剂热法 合成了一种新型的纳米 复合材料UiO-66/氧化石墨烯（UiO-66/GO）。运用扫描电镜（SEM）和透射电镜（TEM）分析了复合材料的表面形貌和复合状态,观察到UiO-66均匀生长在GO片上形成一种2D负载结构。采用X-射线衍射（XRD）和红外光谱（FTIR）对复合材料的晶体成分结构和成分进行分析,发现GO的添加不影响UiO-66的晶型体结构。N2吸附-解吸等温线分析了纳米复合材料的比表面积和孔径分布,表明含有2% 质量比GO用量2%的UiO-66/GO复合材料 具有最高的比表面积 （738 m2/g）。UiO-66/GO-2 的协同效应 使其对刚果红（CR）的去除率远高于UiO-66和GO的,其最大吸附量为561.79 mg/g,分别是相同条件下UiO-66和GO对CR吸附量的2.8倍和7.1倍。     

Reduced graphene oxide for Li–air batteries: The effect of oxidation time and reduction conditions for graphene oxide

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has shown great promise as an air-cathode for Li–air batteries with high capacity. In this article we demonstrate how the oxidation time of graphene oxide (GO) affects the ratio of different functional groups and how trends of these in GO are extended to chemically and thermally reduced GO. We investigate how differences in functional groups and synthesis may affect the performance of Li–O₂ batteries. The oxidation timescale of the GO was varied between 30 min and 3 days before reduction. Powder X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman, FE-SEM, BET analysis, and XPS were used to characterize the GO’s and rGO’s. Selected samples of GO and rGO were analyzed by solid state ¹³C MAS NMR. These methods highlighted the difference between the two types of rGO’s, and XPS indicated how the chemical trends in GO are extended to rGO. A comparison between XPS and ¹³C MAS NMR showed that both techniques can enhance the structural understanding of rGO. Different rGO cathodes were tested in Li–O₂ batteries which revealed a difference in overpotentials and discharge capacities for the different rGO’s. We report the highest Li–O₂ battery discharge capacity recorded of approximately 60,000 mAh/g_carbon achieved with a thermally reduced GO cathode.     

In situ exfoliation of graphite oxide nanosheets in polymer nanocomposites using miniemulsion polymerization

Poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate) (poly(St-co-BA)) nanocomposite latices based on graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization. The polymerization procedure involved dispersing an aqueous solution of graphite oxide in a monomer phase, followed by emulsification in the presence of a hydrophobe and a surfactant into miniemulsions. The focus was to investigate the suitability of miniemulsion for the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites based on a graphene derivative (i.e., GO) with exfoliated structure in a one-step nano-incorporation technique. Poly(St-co-BA) nanocomposites containing the exfoliated GO nanoplatelets, which have improved mechanical and thermal properties were successfully synthesized by the miniemulsion process. The nanostructure of the nanocomposites was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). TEM and XRD indicated that the nanocomposites mainly showed exfoliated morphologies, except at relatively high GO content. TEM also revealed that the nanocomposite latices had the so-called ‘‘armored’’ structure, where the nanosized GO sheets are distributed around the edges of the copolymer particles.     

Hyaluronic acid conjugated graphene oxide for targeted drug delivery

Nano-sized graphene oxide (GO) is functionalized with adipic acid dihydrazide to introduce amine groups, and then hyaluronic acid (HA) is covalently conjugated to GO by the formation of amide bonds. The resulting HA-grafted GO (GO–HA) has negligible hemolytic activity and very low cytotoxicity towards HeLa and L929 cells, and it can be effectively taken up by cancer cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. The histological, hematological and biochemical analysis results suggest no perceptible toxicity of GO–HA in mice at a high exposure level of 10 mg kg⁻¹ and at an exposure time of up to 10 days. Doxorubicin (DOX) can be efficiently loaded on the GO–HA, and the resulting GO–HA/DOX exhibits notable cytotoxicity to HeLa cells. The in vivo drug delivery capability of GO–HA is demonstrated by following the tumor growth in mice after intravenous administration of GO–HA/DOX. The results indicate that GO–HA can efficaciously deliver DOX to the tumors and suppress tumor growth.     

Radiation synthesis of graphene oxide/composite hydrogels and their ability for potential dye adsorption from wastewater

A high yield of graphene oxide (GO) was chemically synthesized from graphite powder utilizing adjusted Hummer's method. The contents of acidic functional groups in GO were determined using potentiometric titration. Composite hydrogels dependent on graphene oxide/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid)/polyvinyl alcohol (GO/PAMPS/PVA) were synthesized utilizing a ⁶⁰Co gamma irradiation source at different doses. The synthesized graphene oxide and composite hydrogels were portrayed via X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The morphology of composite hydrogels was characterized by scanning electron microscope. The gel % and swelling % for the prepared hydrogel demonstrated that the swelling % of hydrogel increased with raising AMPS content. Whereas the increment of GO and increasing the irradiation dose lead to a reduction in the swelling %. The influences of pH, GO percentage, initial dye concentration, the adsorbent dosage, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption of basic blue 3 dye were evaluated and the adsorption capacity was 194.6 mg/g at optimum conditions; pH = 6, GO/PAMPS/PVA composite hydrogels with 5 wt% of GO, initial dye concentration = 200 mg/L, adsorbent dose = 0.1 g, solution volume = 50 mL after 360 min at room temperature (25°C). The adsorption of dye onto the GO/PAMPS/PVA composite hydrogels follows Pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics, fits the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model.     

Control of the functionality of graphene oxide for its application in epoxy nanocomposites

Amino- and epoxy-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized separately through a wash-and-rebuild process utilizing two differently terminated silane coupling agents. The modified GO sheets were then incorporated into an epoxy resin to prepare nanocomposites. The addition of 0.2 wt% amino-functionalized GO (APTS-GO) yielded a 32% increase in Young's modulus (3.3 GPa) and 16% increase in tensile strength (81.2 MPa). Less reinforcement was observed with the epoxy-functionalized GO (GPTS-GO) but there was a more significant increase in ductility for GPTS-GO/epoxy, with the fracture toughness (critical intensity factor, K_IC) and fracture energy (critical strain energy release rate, G_IC) nearly doubling at 0.2 wt% loading (1.46 MPam^1/2 and 0.62 kJ/m² for K_IC and G_IC, respectively). Raman spectroscopy measurements revealed that the GPTS-GO was dispersed more uniformly than the APTS-GO in the epoxy matrix, and better interfacial stress transfer was found for the APTS-GO. Thus the wash-and-rebuild process affords a novel strategy for controlling the functionality of graphene in the quest to develop high-performance graphene-based nanocomposites.     

Effect of annealing temperature and graphene concentrations on photovoltaic and NIR-detector applications of PbS/rGO nanocomposites

The effect of annealing temperature on photovoltaic and near-infrared (NIR) detector applications of PbS nanoparticles (NPs) and PbS/graphene nanocomposites was investigated. The products were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method and graphene oxide (GO) sheets were used as graphene source. Several characterization techniques were used to show transfer of the GO into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) during the synthesis process. In addition, the effect of graphene concentrations on morphology, structure, photovoltaic, and detector parameters of the samples were studied. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that, the PbS NPs were agglomerated, while, the PbS/rGO nanocomposites were dispersed completely after annealing under H₂/Ar gas atmosphere. UV–visible spectrometer showed an absorption peak for all samples in the near infrared red (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The results indicated that, photocurrent intensity, responsivity of the samples to an NIR source, and solar-cell efficiency were affected by annealing of samples and graphene concentrations.     

A green and facile one-pot synthesis of Ag–ZnO/RGO nanocomposite with effective photocatalytic activity for removal of organic pollutants

In this study, Ag–ZnO/reduced graphene oxide (Ag–ZnO/RGO) composite was synthesized by a green and facile one-step hydrothermal process. Aqueous suspension containing Ag and ZnO precursors with graphene oxide (GO) sheets was heated at 140 °C for 2 h. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized particles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy which revealed the formation of composite of metal, metal oxide and RGO. It was observed that the presence of Ag precursor and GO sheets in the hydrothermal solution could sufficiently decrease the size of ZnO flowers. The hybrid nanostructure, with unique morphology, obtained from this convenient method (low temperature, less time, and less number of reagents) was found to have good photocatalytic and antibacterial activity. The perfect recovery of catalyst after reaction and its unchanged efficiency for cyclic use showed that it will be an economically and environmentally friendly photocatalyst.     

Chemically modified graphene oxide/polybenzimidazobenzophenanthroline nanocomposites with improved electrical conductivity

Graphene/polybenzimidazobenzophenanthroline nanocomposites were prepared through the liquid-phase exfoliation of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in methanesulfonic acid with subsequent solution mixing. Various chemical and combined chemical-thermal methods were examined to be effective for producing rGO with highly graphitic structure and excellent electrical conductivity. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed higher degree of reduction of the GO with the combined chemical-thermal method compared to other chemical reduction processes. Structural characterization of the nanocomposites by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed good exfoliation and dispersion of both GO and rGO fillers in the polymer matrix. The thermogravimetric analysis found that the nanocomposites with rGO have higher onset and maximum weight loss temperatures than those with GO. Compared with the pure polymer, the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites containing 10 wt% GO and GO reduced by the combined chemical-thermal treatment showed a remarkable increase by four and seven orders of magnitude, respectively. Long-term in-situ thermal reduction was performed to further improve the conductivities of the nanocomposites.     

Cobalt/graphene oxide nanocomposites: Electro-synthesis,structural, magnetic,and electrical properties

In this research, different samples of cobalt/graphene oxide nanocomposites were successfully synthesized electrochemically by applying different voltages. Their structure, magnetization and electrical properties were studied using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), two point probe electrical conductivity meter, galvanostat/potentiostat, and universal testing machine. The results of structural characterization confirmed the formation of cobalt/graphene oxide nanocomposites. The FESEM images showed the porous flower-like structure of particles deposited on the graphene oxide sheets. The AFM images clearly showed the surface roughness and the dispersion of nanoparticles on graphene oxide sheets. Room-temperature magnetization values range from 18 emu g^?1 to 167 emu g^?1, depending on the applied voltage. In order to study the electrical properties of the nanocomposites, the volumetric resistivity and volumetric conductivity under different pressures and the current-voltage characteristic curves were measured. Based on the results, the nanocomposites synthesized by applying 8 V and 23 V show ohmic behavior and have the highest volumetric conductivity. The volumetric conductivity increases with increasing the pressure. The nanocomposite prepared by applying 23 V presents good structural, magnetic, and electrical properties.     

Facile solid-state synthesis of Ag/graphene oxide nanocomposites as highly active and stable catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

A facile solid-state synthetic route was used to fabricate graphene oxide (GO) decorated with Ag nanoparticles. Ag/GO nanocomposites were prepared by reducing silver acetate with ascorbic acid in the presence of GO at ambient conditions. The characterization results showed that Ag nanoparticles with an average diameter of ~ 50 nm were well dispersed on the surface of GO nanosheets. Moreover, an application of the obtained Ag/GO nanocomposites as a catalyst in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol by NaBH₄ was demonstrated. The Ag/GO nanocomposites exhibited high activity and stability for the catalytic reduction of 4-NP.     

Graphene oxide/hydroxyapatite composite coatings fabricated by electrophoretic nanotechnology for biological applications

Graphene oxide (GO) was firstly employed as nanoscale reinforcement fillers in hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings by a cathodic electrophoretic deposition process, and GO/HA coatings were fabricated on pure Ti substrate. The transmission electron microscopy observation and particle size analysis of the suspensions indicated that HA nanoparticles were uniformly decorated on GO sheets, forming a large GO/HA particle group. The addition of GO into HA coatings could reduce the surface cracks and increase the coating adhesion strength from 1.55 ± 0.39 MPa (pure HA) to 2.75 ± 0.38 MPa (2 wt.% GO/HA) and 3.3 ± 0.25 MPa (5 wt.% GO/HA), respectively. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies indicated that the GO/HA composite coatings exhibited higher corrosion resistance in comparison with pure HA coatings in simulated body fluid. In addition, superior (around 95% cell viability for 2 wt.% GO/HA) or comparable (80–90% cell viability for 5 wt.% GO/HA) in vitro biocompatibility were observed in comparison with HA coated and uncoated Ti substrate.     

High-Performance and Biobased Polyamide/Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites through In Situ Polymerization for Engineering Applications

In this study, biobased polyamide/functionalized graphene oxide (PA-FGO) nanocomposite is developed using sustainable resources. Renewable PA is synthesized via polycondensation of hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and biobased tetradecanedioic acid. Furthermore, GO is functionalized with HMDA to improve its compatibility with biobased PA and in situ polymerization is employed to obtain homogeneous PA-FGO nanocomposites. Compatibility improvement provides simultaneous increases in the tensile strength, storage modulus, and conductivity of PA by adding only 2 wt% FGO (PA-FGO2). The tensile strength and storage modulus of PA-FGO2 nanocomposite are enhanced dramatically by ≈50% and 30%, respectively, and the electrical conductivity reached 3.80 × 10^–3 S m⁻¹. In addition, rheology testing confirms a shear-thinning trend for all samples as well as a significant enhancement in the storage modulus upon increasing the FGO content due to a rigid network formation and strong polymer-filler interactions. All these improvements strongly support the excellent compatibility and enhanced interfacial interactions between organic–inorganic phases resulting from GO surface functionalization. It is expected that the biobased PA-FGO nanocomposites with remarkable thermomechanical properties developed here can be used to design high-performance structures for demanded engineering applications.     

Aminosilicate modified zinc oxide Nanorod-GO nanocomposite for DSSC photoanodes

Amine-functionalized ZnO nanorods@graphene oxide (ZnO-NR/NH₂/GO) nanocomposites prepared by a facile solution route have been investigated through X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectra, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The amine-functionalized ZnO-NR/NH₂/GO-2 nanocomposite exhibits very strong visible light absorption. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) made of ZnO-NR/NH₂/GO-2 nanocomposite (with optimum 2 wt % GO) photoanode delivers a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.76% which is much higher than the efficiency of unmodified ZnO-NR/GO photoanodes based DSSC (2.27%). The enhancement of PCE is primarily caused by the increased current density, attributed to the incorporation of aminosilicate and GO on the surface of ZnO-NRs which facilitates rapid transfer of electron from conduction band of ZnO to conducting surface of FTO. This diminished recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes improve the electron transfer at the photoanode/electrolyte interfaces.