Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Functionalized with Amio Methyl Phosphonic Acid (AMPA) and its Structural Characterization

Abstract

In this paper, graphene oxide (GO) and its functionalization with “Amio Methyl Phosphonic Acid” (AMPA) are synthesized using modified Hummers method. Crystal structure of the compounds is investigated by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) clearly shows that the AMPA agent does really enter into the GO. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the compounds reveal that they are in the form of nano-sheets. High resolution TEM (HRTEM) microscope is also used to observe and study the nanoscopic morphology of the structures. In addition, the samples are element-analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to get more information. Finally, the functionalization mechanism of GO with AMPA is studied and the mechanisms of “nucleophilic displacement” as well as “condensation reaction” are suggested andare experimentally confirmed. Due to the favorable properties of the synthesized material AMPA-GO, its use was suggested for water treatment and removal of heavy metals such as lead and strontium.

Keywords

• graphene oxide
• amino methyl phosphonic acid
• modified hummers method
• structural analysis