JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Modification of Graphene Oxide Aerogel Monolith by Gamma Irradiation

  • 0Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of RAS, Acad. Semenov ave. 1, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation.
Chemphyschem : a European Journal of Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry +

|

March 12, 2025

|

March 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Gamma irradiation of graphene oxide aerogels (GOA) modifies their structure, reducing the oxygen/carbon ratio and increasing sp3 bonds. Surface layer detachment at 40 kGy improves n-hexane sorption properties.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Radiation Chemistry

Background

  • Graphene oxide aerogels (GOA) are advanced porous materials with tunable properties.
  • Understanding the effects of external stimuli like gamma irradiation is crucial for material modification.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the impact of 60Co gamma irradiation on the structural and chemical properties of monolithic graphene oxide aerogels.
  • To explore the relationship between irradiation dose and changes in GOA morphology and surface chemistry.
  • To evaluate the effect of irradiation-induced surface modification on sorption capabilities.

Main Methods

  • Synthesis of monolithic graphene oxide aerogel (GOA) with a volume of approximately 4 cm³.
  • Irradiation of GOA samples using 60Co gamma rays across a dose range of 10–220 kGy.
  • Characterization using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to determine elemental composition (O/C ratio).
  • Analysis using Raman Spectroscopy to assess changes in bonding (sp² vs. sp³).
  • Microscopic examination to observe surface morphology and pore structure.
  • Sorption tests using n-hexane to evaluate material performance.

Main Results

  • XPS analysis revealed a decrease in the oxygen/carbon ratio with increasing gamma irradiation dose.
  • Raman spectroscopy showed a blue shift in the G peak, indicating an increased proportion of sp³ bonds.
  • Surface layer detachment from the GOA monolith was observed to initiate at a dose of 40 kGy.
  • Exfoliated surface layers exhibited smaller pore sizes compared to inner layers.
  • Improved sorption properties of GOA towards n-hexane were achieved after surface layer removal.

Conclusions

  • Gamma irradiation effectively modifies the chemical structure and surface properties of graphene oxide aerogels.
  • Irradiation-induced surface exfoliation is a key phenomenon affecting GOA morphology.
  • The observed changes, particularly surface layer removal, enhance the sorption capabilities of GOA for specific compounds like n-hexane.

Keywords: