Optimization of graphene oxide through various Hummers' methods and comparative reduction using green approach

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using three techniques and was reduced using two reducers' extracts from neem and pumpkin leaves. The obtained GOs and RGOs were characterized using Fourier infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometry, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results revealed that all the three methods used are capable of producing GO with various levels of oxidation. FTIR spectra of RGOs showed that the Cdouble bondO signature of GOs at 1730–1740 cm−1 were eliminated after reduction. Other characterization results of the RGOs revealed that both the neem and pumpkin extracts are capable of reducing the synthesized GO. With all these, it can be concluded that the extracts of neem and pumpkin are good reducing agents. The neem and pumpkin extracts, which are ecofriendly can replace the use of hazardous chemicals that are not ecofriendly.