A Green and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide Using the Aqueous Extracts of Artabotrys Hexapetalus and Bauhinia Tomentosa as a Reducing Agent

Abstract

Synthesis of r-Graphene oxide from GO by reduction using plant extracts as a green reducing agent is nowadays carried out to avoid the impact of toxic, harmful chemicals on the environment. In this context, this present investigation an eco-friendly, non-toxic, and green reducing agents of namely leaf extracts of Artabotrys hexapetalus and Bauhinia tomentosa was used to convert the Graphene oxide (GO) to Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO). The synthesized GO and RGO were characterized through UV–Visible spectroscopy,Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), 3D optical profilometer, Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Zeta potential analysis. UV-visible, FT-IR, and XRD results showed the partial removal of oxygen containing groups from the GO and the formation of RGO. Reduction of GO and the formation of RGO was confirmed by the increasing carbon ratio and decreasing oxygen ratio in the results of EDX analysis. SEM results clearly indicated the formation of multiple layers of RGO. Thermal stability of the synthesized RGO was analyzed by Thermo gravimetric study. Surface charge characteristics of GO and RGO were analyzed by zeta potential measurement. All these results confirmed the inexpensive and eco-friendly synthesis of RGO.