Efficient Gelation of Graphene Oxide Aqueous Dispersion Induced by Sonication‐Promoted Leuckart Reaction

Abstract

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO) undergoes a rapid gelation process in the presence of ammonium hydroxide and formic acid at room temperature which is promoted by ultrasonication. Infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved partial reduction of GO and nitrogen incorporation, resulting from sonication‐promoted Leuckart reactions at GO carbonyl groups. The amine groups produced via Leuckart reactions undergo further reactions that result in salt bridges with carboxylic groups and covalent cross‐links, both of which contribute to the stabilization of the resulting hydrogel. The resultant GO hydrogel exhibits enhanced thermal stability.