Wettability and switching of electrical conductivity in UV irradiated graphene oxide films

Graphene oxide (GO) flakes were assembled into a thin film that was subsequently exposed to UV light. It was found that pristine hydrophilic and insulating GO films present a poorer wettability together with a decrease of their surface resistivity under UV irradiation. It was observed that the pristine hydrophilic and insulating properties can be restored after few hours from irradiation. Using infrared spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy, we study the relationship between surface chemistry and structural distortion of GO films before and after UV irradiation. The obtained results open a solvent free as well as easy route for the integration of GO based materials into optoelectronic devices.

Pristine hydrophilic and insulating graphene oxide films were found to switch to a less hydrophilic and more conductive films under UV irradiation. It was observed that the pristine hydrophilic and insulating properties can be restored after few hours from irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► UV assisted deoxygenation of graphene oxide films.
► Structural distortion of GO films after UV irradiation.
► Controlled wettability and electrical conductivity of GO films.