Accelerated differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons on ginseng-reduced graphene oxide sheets

Asian red ginseng was used for green reduction of chemically exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The reduction level and electrical conductivity of the ginseng-rGO sheets were comparable to those of hydrazine-rGO ones. Reduction by ginseng resulted in repairing the sp² graphitic structure of the rGO, while hydrazine-rGO showed more defects and/or smaller aromatic domains. The ginseng-rGO sheets presented a better stability against aggregation than the hydrazine-rGO ones in an aqueous suspension. Whilst the hydrophobic hydrazine-rGO films exhibited no toxicity against human neural stem cells (hNSCs), the hydrophilic GO and ginseng-rGO films (as more biocompatible films) showed proliferation of the stem cells after 3 days. On the other hand, the hydrazine-rGO and especially the ginseng-rGO films exhibited more differentiation of hNSCs into neurons (rather than glia) than the GO film, after 3 weeks. The accelerated differentiation on the rGO films was assigned to their higher capability for electron transfer. Meanwhile, the better differentiation on the ginseng-rGO film (as compared to the hydrazine-rGO film) was attributed to its higher biocompatibility, more hydrophilicity and the π−π attachment of ginsenoside molecules (as powerful antioxidants) on surface of the reduced sheets.     

A graphene nanoribbon network and its biosensing application

Graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) have been prepared by chemically unzipping multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Thin-film networks of GONRs were fabricated by spray-coating, followed by a chemical or thermal reduction to form reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (rGONRs). Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations indicate that the thermal reduction in the presence of ethanol vapor effectively restores the graphitic structure of the GONR as compared to chemical reduction with hydrazine vapor. Electrical measurements under a liquid-gate configuration demonstrates that rGONR network field-effect transistors exhibit much higher on/off ratios than a network of microsized reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) or a continuous film of single-layered pristine or chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential applications of rGONR networks for biosensing, specifically, the real-time and sensitive detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules.     

Multiscale patterning of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide for flexible supercapacitors

A simple and facile method for multiscale, in-plane patterning of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide (GO–rGO) was developed by region-specific reduction of graphene oxide (GO) under a mild irradiation. The UV-induced reduction of graphene oxide was monitored by various spectroscopic techniques, including optical absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the resultant GO–rGO patterned film morphology was studied on optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). Flexible symmetric and in-plane supercapacitors were fabricated from the GO–rGO patterned polyethylene terephthalate (PET) electrodes to show capacitances up to 141.2 F/g.     

Highly soluble polyetheramine-functionalized graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide both in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents

Among many methods to synthesize graphene, solution-based processing provides many advantages owing to its low cost, high productivity, chemical versatility, and scalability. In particular, graphene oxide (GO) is one of the most promising nanocarbons that enable the incorporation of graphene and related materials into bulk materials and nanocomposites. GO has hydrophilic nature that enables straightforward dispersion in aqueous solution by sonication, but GO show poor dispersibility in common organic solvents, which prevent much wider applications such as solution-mixing polymer nanocomposites. Here we prepared highly soluble, functionalized GO in both aqueous and non-aqueous solvents. This was achieved by reacting polyetheramine consisting of amphiphilic components, e.g., polypropylene oxide and polyethylene oxide, with carboxylic acid groups at GO edges. Moreover, the reduced GO (rGO) was also highly dispersible in aqueous solution as well as non-aqueous solutions. These functionalized GO and rGO can be used for many solution-processed graphene composites.     

Synthesis of silver nanoprisms on reduced graphene oxide for high-performance catalyst

We developed a facile hydrothermal method to synthesize Ag nanoprism on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with the assistance of sodium alginate (SA). It was found that most of the Ag nanoparticles have {111} external facets which are parallel to the (0001) of the reduced graphene oxide matrix and thus the Ag nano-particles have shown a triangle morphology. When used as a catalyst in the oxidation of hydroquinone, the obtained SA–Ag–rGO showed an outstanding performance: the catalytic rate constant of the hybrid is more than 12 times higher than that of Ag spherical particles on graphene sheets.     

Photovoltaic and UV detector applications of ZnS/rGO nanocomposites synthesized by a green method

The effect of graphene concentration on the photovoltaic and UV detector applications of ZnS/graphene nanocomposites was investigated. The nanocomposites were synthesized by a green, cost-effective, and simple co-precipitation method with different graphene concentrations (5, 10, and 15 wt%) using L-cysteine amino acid as a surfactant and graphene oxide (GO) powder as a graphene source. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the ZnS NPs were decorated on GO sheets and the GO caused a significant decrease in ZnS diameter size. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that the GO sheets were changed into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) during synthesis process. Therefore, L-cysteine amino acid played its role as a reducing agent to reduce the GO. Photovoltaic measurements showed that the graphene caused to increase the efficiency of solar-cell application of ZnS/rGO nanocomposites. In addition, our observation showed that the nanocomposites were suitable as ultraviolet (UV) detectors and graphene concentration increased the responsibility of the detectors.     

Ammonia gas sensors based on chemically reduced graphene oxide sheets self-assembled on Au electrodes

We present a useful ammonia gas sensor based on chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets by self-assembly technique to create conductive networks between parallel Au electrodes. Negative graphene oxide (GO) sheets with large sizes (>10 μm) can be easily electrostatically attracted onto positive Au electrodes modified with cysteamine hydrochloride in aqueous solution. The assembled GO sheets on Au electrodes can be directly reduced into rGO sheets by hydrazine or pyrrole vapor and consequently provide the sensing devices based on self-assembled rGO sheets. Preliminary results, which have been presented on the detection of ammonia (NH₃) gas using this facile and scalable fabrication method for practical devices, suggest that pyrrole-vapor-reduced rGO exhibits much better (more than 2.7 times with the concentration of NH₃ at 50 ppm) response to NH₃ than that of rGO reduced from hydrazine vapor. Furthermore, this novel gas sensor based on rGO reduced from pyrrole shows excellent responsive repeatability to NH₃. Overall, the facile electrostatic self-assembly technique in aqueous solution facilitates device fabrication, the resultant self-assembled rGO-based sensing devices, with miniature, low-cost portable characteristics and outstanding sensing performances, which can ensure potential application in gas sensing fields.     

Chemically modified graphene oxide/polybenzimidazobenzophenanthroline nanocomposites with improved electrical conductivity

Graphene/polybenzimidazobenzophenanthroline nanocomposites were prepared through the liquid-phase exfoliation of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in methanesulfonic acid with subsequent solution mixing. Various chemical and combined chemical-thermal methods were examined to be effective for producing rGO with highly graphitic structure and excellent electrical conductivity. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed higher degree of reduction of the GO with the combined chemical-thermal method compared to other chemical reduction processes. Structural characterization of the nanocomposites by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed good exfoliation and dispersion of both GO and rGO fillers in the polymer matrix. The thermogravimetric analysis found that the nanocomposites with rGO have higher onset and maximum weight loss temperatures than those with GO. Compared with the pure polymer, the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites containing 10 wt% GO and GO reduced by the combined chemical-thermal treatment showed a remarkable increase by four and seven orders of magnitude, respectively. Long-term in-situ thermal reduction was performed to further improve the conductivities of the nanocomposites.     

The reduction of graphene oxide

Graphene has attracted great interest for its excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal and optical properties. It can be produced by micro-mechanical exfoliation of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, epitaxial growth, chemical vapor deposition, and the reduction of graphene oxide (GO). The first three methods can produce graphene with a relatively perfect structure and excellent properties, while in comparison, GO has two important characteristics: (1) it can be produced using inexpensive graphite as raw material by cost-effective chemical methods with a high yield, and (2) it is highly hydrophilic and can form stable aqueous colloids to facilitate the assembly of macroscopic structures by simple and cheap solution processes, both of which are important to the large-scale uses of graphene. A key topic in the research and applications of GO is the reduction, which partly restores the structure and properties of graphene. Different reduction processes result in different properties of reduced GO (rGO), which in turn affect the final performance of materials or devices composed of rGO. In this contribution, we review the state-of-art status of the reduction of GO on both techniques and mechanisms. The development in this field will speed the applications of graphene.     

Conversion of pencil graphite to graphene/polypyrrole nanofiber composite electrodes and its doping effect on the supercapacitive properties

Graphene platelets were synthesized from pencil flake graphite and commercial graphite by chemical method. The chemical method involved modified Hummer's method to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) and the use of hydrazine monohydrate to reduce GO to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). rGO were further reduced using rapid microwave treatment in presence of little amount of hydrazine monohydrate to graphene platelets. Chemically modified graphene/polypyrrole (PPy) nanofiber composites were prepared by in situ anodic electropolymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of graphene on stainless steel substrate. The morphology, composition, and electronic structure of the composites together with PPy fibers, graphene oxide (GO), rGO, and graphene were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), laser‐Raman, and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) methods. From SEM, it was observed that chemically modified graphene formed as a uniform nanocomposite with the PPy fibers absorbed on the graphene surface and/or filled between the graphene sheets. Such uniform structure together with the observed high conductivities afforded high specific capacitance and good cycling stability during the charge–discharge process when used as supercapacitor electrodes. A specific capacitance of supercapacitor was as high as 304 F g^?1 at a current density of 2 mA cm^?1 was achieved over a PPy‐doped graphene composite. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2118–2126, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Easy preparation of ultrathin reduced graphene oxide sheets at a high stirring speed

This work explored the synthesis of rGO sheets from graphene oxide (GO) using hydrazine solvent as reducing agent through chemical reduction. Meanwhile, GO films with a 2D structure were prepared from graphite flakes (starting material with an average flake size of 150 nm) by an Improved Hummer׳s method. Results showed that the chemical oxidation of graphite flakes carried out at room temperature could be used to prepare GO sheets in the initial stage. The conversion of GO into large-area rGO sheets with ~85% of carbon content could then be achieved by chemical reduction. RGO sheets with a lateral dimension of up to ~45 nm were obtained, which indicated the formation of an extremely thin layer of rGO sheets. A high degree of GO reduction was also realized using a high stirring speed (1200 rpm) for 72 h in a mixture of acids and potassium permanganate, resulting in a high carbon content of rGO with a large lateral dimension and area. Overall, our Improved Hummer׳s method with a high stirring speed (1200 rpm) for 72 h provided an easy approach to the preparation of large-area and ultrathin rGO sheets.     

Preparation of Ag/reduced graphene oxide reinforced copper matrix composites through spark plasma sintering: An investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties

The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with Ag nanoparticles was synthesized by the chemical reduction of graphene oxide in an aqueous solution containing AgNO₃, in the presence of hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. The reduction of graphene oxide was confirmed by FT-IR and raman spectroscopy analyses. The x-ray diffraction pattern and UV–visible investigations demonstrated the formation of Ag particles on the surface of rGO sheets. After successful decoration, the Ag/rGO nano-composite was used as the reinforcement in the copper matrix composite. Cu–Ag/rGO composites with different percentages of Ag/rGO (0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 vol%.) were prepared by mechanical milling and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effects of the Ag/rGO content on the consolidation process, micro-hardness, bending strength and also, fracture surface of the prepared samples were then investigated. The three-point bending strength of the sintered samples was increased from 285 to 472 MPa by the addition 0.8 vol%. of Ag/rGO, as compared to the pure Cu. Moreover, increasing the reinforcement content to the 3.2 vol%. Ag/rGO led to decreasing the bending strength to 433 MPa. The highest micro-hardness (81 Hv) was obtained for the composite sample containing the 1.6 vol%. Ag/rGO. By increasing Ag/r-GO as the reinforcement (3.2 vol%.), the Vickers hardness was decreased to 69 Hv. Also, investigation of the fracture surface morphology showed transformation of fracture mechanism from plastic changes to brittle ones by raising the Ag/rGO content volume from 0.8 to 1.6 vol %.     

Mechanical properties and drug release of microcapsules containing quaternized‐chitosan‐modified reduced graphene oxide in the capsular wall

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets were first modified with 2‐hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC), and these modified rGO sheets (named HACC–rGO) were used as reinforcement materials and introduced to the walls of chitosan (CS) microcapsules. All of the monodisperse microcapsules were conveniently generated by a gas–liquid microfluidic technique. The results of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis all demonstrate that the HACC–rGO sheets existed and were dispersed in the capsular shell. The HACC–rGO‐reinforced CS microcapsules showed better mechanical strength and better chemical stability with an α‐cyclodextrin solution than the CS microcapsules without HACC–rGO. Importantly, the HACC–rGO‐reinforced CS microcapsules exhibited a slower drug‐release behavior and provide a method for the control of the release rate of drug‐loaded microcapsules. In an in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation by a 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay, the Schwann cells still showed good cell viability after they were treated by extracts of the CS/HACC–rGO microcapsules with concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 2000 μg/mL. Therefore, the HACC–rGO‐reinforced CS microcapsules are promising for applications in the fields of drug delivery and controlled release. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44549.     

In Situ Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Gold Nanocomposites for Nanoelectronics and Biosensing

In this study, an in situ chemical synthesis approach has been developed to prepare graphene–Au nanocomposites from chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in aqueous media. UV–Vis absorption, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to demonstrate the successful attachment of Au nanoparticles to graphene sheets. Configured as field-effect transistors (FETs), the as-synthesized single-layered rGO-Au nanocomposites exhibit higher hole mobility and conductance when compared to the rGO sheets, promising its applications in nanoelectronics. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the rGO-Au FETs are able to label-freely detect DNA hybridization with high sensitivity, indicating its potentials in nanoelectronic biosensing.     

Facile synthesis of metal oxide/reduced graphene oxide hybrids with high lithium storage capacity and stable cyclability

We report an environment-friendly approach to synthesize transition metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets hybrids by combining the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) with the growth of metal oxide NPs in one step. Either Fe2O3 or CoO NPs were grown onto rGO sheets in ethanol solution through a solvothermal process, during which GOs were reduced to rGO without the addition of any strong reducing agent, e.g. hydrazine, or requiring any post-high-temperature annealing process. The GO or rGO during the precipitation of metal oxide NPs may act as heterogeneous nucleation seeds to facilitate the formation of small crystal grains. This may allow more efficient diffusion of Li ions and lead to high specific capacities. These metal oxide NPs-rGO hybrids were used as anodes for Li-ion batteries, which showed high capacities and excellent charge-discharge cycling stability in the voltage window between 0.01 and 3.0 V. For example, Fe2O3 NPs/rGO hybrids showed specific capacity of 881 mA h g(-1) in the 90th cycle at a discharge current density of 302 mA g(-1) (0.3 C), while CoO NPs/rGO hybrids showed a lower capacity of 600 mA h g(-1) in the 90th cycle at a discharge current density of 215 mA g(-1) (0.3 C). These nanohybrids also show excellent capacities at high C rate currents, e.g. 611 mA h g(-1) for Fe2O3/rGO sample in the 300th cycle at 2014 mA g(-1) (2 C). Such synthesis technique can be a promising route to produce advanced electrode materials for Li-ion batteries.     

Simultaneous in situ reduction,self-alignment and covalent bonding in graphene oxide/epoxy composites

Graphene oxide (GO)/waterborne epoxy (EP) composites are prepared using an easy, all aqueous, in situ polymerization method. GO is reduced in situ using hydrazine to achieve highly stable reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/EP dispersions, leading to the formation of composites with a self-aligned layered structure and highly anisotropic properties between the direction of alignment and that perpendicular to it. The strong covalent bonding between the epoxy and rGO and the highly aligned, ultralarge rGO sheets give rise to a remarkable percolation threshold of 0.12 vol.%, as well as much improved mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the composites in the alignment direction. They outperform those containing GO sheets that are bonded to the epoxy matrix through a weaker π–π stacking mechanism.     

Enhanced optical properties of ZnS–rGO nanocomposites for ultraviolet detection applications

In this research, fabrication and characterization of ultraviolet (UV) detectors based on zinc sulfide–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite with the focus on the wurtzite structure of zinc sulfide was carried out. The nanoparticles of ZnS were synthesized using chemical deposition method and annealed at 500?°C under flow of argon. X-ray diffraction pattern showed that ZnS with the wurtzite phase was formed at 500?°C. Here, rGO as a unique material with similar properties to graphene such as high electron transport was used in order to improve the optical properties of ZnS. For this purpose, rGO was added to ZnS with three different weight percentages of 5, 10 and 15. Scanning electron microscopy showed that ZnS nanoparticles were well placed in rGO sheets. The UV–visible spectra of the synthesized composites showed that with increasing rGO in composite, light absorption is increased. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra also showed that with increasing the percentage of rGO the generation of electron-hole in composite was increased and PL peak was enhanced. The effect of elevated generation of electron-hole pairs was apparent in optoelectrical properties of fabricated UV detectors based on the sample with higher concentration of rGO in composite. For this sample, the response time was decreased to 310 ms, and the sensitivity to UV irradiation was increased by 7.7 times.     

Reduced-graphene-oxide-reinforced boron carbide ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering from powder mixtures obtained by heterogeneous co-precipitation

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets were uniformly dispersed in boron carbide ceramics by a heterogeneous co-precipitation method. This approach was used to improve the fracture toughness of boron carbide ceramics and to address the problem of agglomeration of graphene in the boron carbide matrix. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide was used as a heterogeneous co-precipitation reaction initiator to prepare a homogeneously dispersed graphene oxide/boron carbide (GO/B₄C) mixture. Reduced graphene oxide/boron carbide (rGO/B₄C) powder mixtures with good dispersion were obtained by high temperature heat treatment. Dense rGO/B₄C composite ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering at 1800 °C and 50 MPa. The fracture toughness and flexural strength of the rGO/B₄C with an rGO content of 2 vol% composite increased by 42% (from 3.43 to 4.88 MPa·m^1/2) and 28% (from 372 to 476 MPa) compared with those of pure B₄C, respectively. The markedly improved fracture toughness and flexural strength of the boron carbide ceramics were attributed to the effect of crack bridging and crack deflection by graphene sheets, graphene interface sliding, and pulling out of graphene.     

Effect of annealing temperature and graphene concentrations on photovoltaic and NIR-detector applications of PbS/rGO nanocomposites

The effect of annealing temperature on photovoltaic and near-infrared (NIR) detector applications of PbS nanoparticles (NPs) and PbS/graphene nanocomposites was investigated. The products were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method and graphene oxide (GO) sheets were used as graphene source. Several characterization techniques were used to show transfer of the GO into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) during the synthesis process. In addition, the effect of graphene concentrations on morphology, structure, photovoltaic, and detector parameters of the samples were studied. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that, the PbS NPs were agglomerated, while, the PbS/rGO nanocomposites were dispersed completely after annealing under H₂/Ar gas atmosphere. UV–visible spectrometer showed an absorption peak for all samples in the near infrared red (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The results indicated that, photocurrent intensity, responsivity of the samples to an NIR source, and solar-cell efficiency were affected by annealing of samples and graphene concentrations.     

Reduced graphene oxide supported highly porous V2O5 spheres as a high-power cathode material for lithium ion batteries

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported highly porous polycrystalline V(2)O(5) spheres (V(2)O(5)/rGO) were prepared by using a solvothermal approach followed by an annealing process. Initially, reduced vanadium oxide (rVO) nanoparticles with sizes in the range of 10-50 nm were formed through heterogeneous nucleation on rGO sheets during the solvothermal process. These rVO nanoparticles were oxidized to V(2)O(5) after the annealing process in air at 350 °C and assembled into polycrystalline porous spheres with sizes of 200-800 nm. The weight ratio between the rGO and V(2)O(5) is tunable by changing the weight ratio of the precursors, which in turn affects the morphology of V(2)O(5)/rGO composites. The V(2)O(5)/rGO composites display superior cathode performances with highly reversible specific capacities, good cycling stabilities and excellent rate capabilities (e.g. 102 mA h g(-1) at 19 C).