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Amazing graphite oxide: why it can transform into a strong paper-like material?
Graphite Oxide (GO) is a compound composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen in variable proportions. It is usually prepared by treating graphite with strong oxidants and acids. This material is particularly eye-catching because it retains the layered structure of graphite but also has large irregular spacing, making it potentially valuable in multiple applications.
The maximum oxidation product of graphite oxide is a yellow solid with a carbon to oxygen ratio between 2.1 and 2.9.
Graphite oxide was first prepared in 1859 by Benjamin C. Brodie, a chemist at the University of Oxford, in a process that involved mixing graphite with nitric acid and potassium chloric acid. Afterwards, in 1957, Hamers and Overman developed a safer, faster and more efficient Hamers method, which not only improved the synthesis process, but also greatly increased the yield.
As the application of graphite oxide gradually expands, researchers have a deeper understanding of its structure and properties. Graphite oxide has about twice the interlayer spacing of graphite (about 0.7 nanometers), which means it has higher potential to be configured into new materials. Research shows that different synthesis methods lead to different types of graphite oxides, whose properties depend on the degree of oxidation.
The graphite oxide just obtained exhibits strong wettability and is able to absorb water, thereby significantly increasing its interlayer spacing.
Properties and applications of graphite oxide
Graphite oxide has excellent wettability and can be fully surfaced when immersed in a variety of polar solvents, which makes it an irreplaceable advantage in the preparation of membrane materials and composite materials. Especially within the water treatment community, graphite oxide is seen as a promising solution.
Research shows that graphite oxide membranes can effectively filter water molecules while blocking some larger ions.
For example, Lockheed Martin has announced its innovative filtration technology, Perforene, claiming that the filter is 500 times thinner and 1,000 times stronger than the best filters currently released, greatly reducing the risk of reverse osmosis seawater. Downsizing energy consumption.
In addition to water treatment, graphite oxide also shows potential in the creation of optically nonlinear materials. Its ability to regulate optical properties makes it of great application value in the fields of laser applications and optical communications. The researchers noted that by varying the oxygen content, the electronic and optical properties of graphite oxide can be precisely tuned.
How to make strong paper-like materials
Graphite oxide can be valued through a simple dispersion process, which can be used as a strong paper-like material. Highly dispersed graphite oxide is adsorbed in a water-based medium and then dehydrated, ultimately resulting in graphite oxide paper with amazing strength. This material can not only replace the use of traditional paper, but can also be used in a variety of industrial applications, showing good renewable properties.
Many studies have shown that graphite oxide paper is superior to many traditional materials in terms of strength and flexibility.
In short, the potential of graphite oxide stems from its unique physical and chemical properties, showing its extraordinary application prospects whether in water treatment or materials science exploration. So, since graphite oxide is so widely used, how will it change our future materials use and needs?
