Folding/aggregation of graphene oxide and its application in Cu2+ removal

Graphene oxide (GO) can be aggregated by Cu2+ in aqueous solution with a huge Cu2+ absorption capacity. The Cu2+ causes GO sheets to be folded and also to form large aggregates that were characterized by confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The folding/aggregation is most likely triggered by the coordination between GO and Cu2+. The equilibrium Cu2+ concentrations and equilibrium absorption capacity of GO were measured to estimate the maximum absorption capacity of GO for Cu2+ and the absorption model. GO has a huge absorption capacity for Cu2+, which is around 10 times of that of active carbon. Representative results are presented and the implication to Cu2+ removal is discussed.

Graphene oxide can be aggregated by Cu2+ in aqueous solution with a huge Cu2+ absorption capacity.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (70 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Cu2+ induces the folding/aggregation of graphene oxide.
► Coordination between graphene oxide and Cu2+ triggers the aggregation.
► Graphene oxide has a huge absorption capacity for Cu2+.