Controlled functionalisation of graphene oxide using ethylene diamine: a one‐pot synthesis approach for chromium sorption

Abstract

Introduction of ethylene diamine into the layers of graphene oxide was achieved through direct compounding method. Graphene oxide intercalated with ethylene diamine was characterised by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) techniques. The efficiency of the material in adsorbing chromium was evaluated through batch scale studies by optimising parameters like pH, concentration and contact time. The material renders a monolayer adsorption capacity of 69.93 mg/g, at pH 1 within 60 min time period for a minimal dosage of 0.05 g. The ethylene diamine modified graphene oxide thus appeals to be a promising adsorbent for environmental applications.