Converters & Calculators
This module addresses the processing methods and application areas for graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide.
Description
Graphene Oxide is an oxidised form of graphene that contains oxygen groups. Reduced Graphene Oxide is produced by a reduction process that removes many oxygen groups. Each material exhibits specific properties. They possess a layered structure and a high surface area. Graphene Oxide disperses well in water. Reduced Graphene Oxide recovers some electrical conductivity of pristine graphene. These materials are used in several sectors.
Synthesis and Reduction Methods
Graphene Oxide is usually prepared from graphite. A common method uses strong oxidants in an acid solution, and then exfoliation is performed. Graphite powder is treated with a mixture of acids and oxidants. The chemicals insert oxygen groups between layers.
When Graphene Oxide is produced, a reduction process converts it to Reduced Graphene Oxide. Reduction occurs through thermal treatment or chemical reduction. Chemical agents such as hydrazine or vitamin C remove oxygen groups. Thermal treatment involves heating the material in an inert gas. The process is reproducible. The resulting material exhibits enhanced electrical conductivity.
Electronic Applications
Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide are applied in electronic devices. Reduced Graphene Oxide is employed in printed electronics. It is used to manufacture flexible and cost-efficient circuits. Multiple sensors incorporate Reduced Graphene Oxide because it conducts electrons. In some instances, the material functions as a transparent conductor. Films manufactured from Reduced Graphene Oxide have replaced traditional materials in touch screens. Graphene Oxide is applied for insulating layers because of its oxygen content. It is used in devices that require a balance between conductivity and insulation. Devices such as sound apparatus, displays, and sensors utilise these materials. The material is evaluated in simple transistors and other semiconductor devices.
Energy Storage Applications
Energy storage is another application for these materials. Battery technology utilises layers of Reduced Graphene Oxide to form conductive networks. These networks support high power output and fast charging cycles. Supercapacitors have been developed using Graphene Oxide‑based materials. The high surface area facilitates electric double‑layer formation. Laboratory circuits have evaluated electrodes made from Graphene Oxide composites. In one study, researchers increased energy density by combining reduced layers with metal oxides. The results have been reported. Prototypes illustrate the cost effectiveness of these materials. They provide stability, high conductivity, and improved performance.
Biomedical Applications
Biomedical research uses Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide in various applications. These materials are applied in drug delivery systems, biosensors, and imaging agents. Graphene Oxide disperses well in liquid media, which is beneficial for preparing uniform injection solutions. Reduced Graphene Oxide is processed into thin films that interact with cells. Researchers have examined its use in tissue engineering. Its large surface area facilitates the hosting of biological molecules. Laboratory tests have evaluated compatibility with various cell types. Careful purification is required to reduce toxicity. Straightforward processing and a large surface area support its use in diagnostic tests and certain cancer treatments. Biocompatibility is increased with further processing and chemical treatments.
Summary Table: GO and rGO Application Cases
|
Material Used |
Function / System |
Key Outcomes / Examples |
|
Electronics |
||
|
GO, rGO |
GFET (Graphene Field Effect Transistor) for chemical and biosensing |
Detection of catecholamines, avidin, DNA; GFET on flexible PET substrates¹ |
|
Functionalised GO |
Electrochemical glucose sensor |
GO with glucose oxidase on electrode for glucose detection³⁵ |
|
rGO |
Transparent electrode for LEDs and solar cells |
Alternative to ITO; rGO also used as hole transport layer³⁶⁻⁷³⁹ |
|
Energy Storage |
||
|
rGO + metal oxides |
Lithium‑ion battery anode materials |
Fe₃O₄/rGO nanocomposites showed improved capacity and cycle stability⁴³ |
|
Microwave‑exfoliated rGO |
Supercapacitors |
High surface area enhances charge storage⁴⁵⁻⁴⁶ |
|
Biomedical Applications |
||
|
nGO‑PEG‑SN38 |
Drug delivery for colon cancer |
1 000× more effective than CPT‑11; high water/serum solubility⁴⁷ |
|
nGO‑PEG‑HA |
Photothermal therapy for melanoma |
NIR laser plus topical application achieved tumour ablation⁴⁸ |
|
GO + Fe₃O₄ + DXR |
Magnetic‑targeted drug delivery |
Directed delivery of doxorubicin via magnetic control⁴⁹ |
|
Biosensors |
||
|
GO |
FRET‑based fluorescence biosensor |
ssDNA fluorescence quenching and recovery to detect DNA and ATP⁵⁰⁻⁵¹ |
|
Folic acid‑functionalised GO |
Cancer cell detection |
Specific binding to cervical and breast cancer cells⁵² |
For more industrial applications, please check Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).
Conclusion
Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide are used in many modern applications. Their structure provides specific benefits compared to simpler materials. Strong oxidative processes produce Graphene Oxide, whereas reduction recovers many properties of pure graphene. Electronics, energy storage, and biomedical fields utilise these materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
F: How is Graphene Oxide made?
Q: Graphene Oxide is produced by oxidising graphite with acids and oxidants, followed by exfoliation into layers.
F: What enhances the performance of Reduced Graphene Oxide in electronics?
Q: Reduction increases electrical conductivity, thereby making it suitable for printed electronics and sensors.
F: Is Graphene Oxide safe for biomedical use?
Q: Purified Graphene Oxide achieves acceptable biocompatibility after careful processing and treatment.
Chin Trento
