Synthesis of graphene by microwave irradiation for dye adsorption

Abstract

We demonstrated a simple and green method for the synthesis of graphene on the basis of microwave reduction and exfoliation of graphite oxide using a kitchen microwave oven in a short time. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of graphene. Compared with the general preparation route of reducing graphite oxide with NaBH₄, the microwave irradiation synthesis method endowed the obtained graphene with a superior efficiency for removing methyl blue from solutions. With a large specific surface area of 465.7 m² g⁻¹, the graphene obtained by microwave irradiation showed a high adsorption capacity of 170.07 mg g⁻¹ for methyl blue in the adsorption measurements. This microwave irradiation process without any chemical agent introduced is environmentally friendly and the obtained graphene can be used for removal of organic contaminants from waste water.