Abstract
A simple and scalable synthetic approach for one-step synthesis of graphene–CuO (TRGC) nanocomposite by an in situ thermo-annealing method has been developed. Using graphene oxide (GO) and copper hydroxide as a precursors reagent, the reduction of GO and the uniform deposition of in situ formed CuO nanoparticles on graphene was simultaneously achieved. The method employed no solvents, toxic-reducing agents, or organic modifiers. The resulting nanostructured hybrid exhibited improved H2S sorption capacity of 1.5 mmol H2S/g-sorbent (3 g S/100 g-sorbent). Due to its highly dispersed sub-20 nm CuO nanoparticles and large specific surface area, TRGC nanocomposite exhibits tremendous potential for energy and environment applications.
Highlights
The combination of multidimensional nanomaterials often leads to the formation of hierarchical and multifunctional materials that combine the advantages of each component, resulting in exceptional properties
The TRGC nanohybrid was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 physisorption
The TEM images revealed that the nanostructured TRGC composites with a uniform CuO dispersion were successfully prepared
Summary
The combination of multidimensional nanomaterials often leads to the formation of hierarchical and multifunctional materials that combine the advantages of each component, resulting in exceptional properties. Several approaches have been proposed for preparing nanostructured composites of graphene with CuO which mostly involve either deposition of CuO nanoparticle on GO sheets followed by the reduction of GO or first to reduce GO sheets and deposit or grow nanocrystals on the graphene sheets [18] These methods often use toxic or hazardous reducing agents such as hydrazine [19], sodium borohydride, and ammonia [20] for GO reduction. This simple and environmentally benign method is scalable for large scale production of high-quality graphene/CuO composite suitable for a wide range of applications. Hybridization of H2S active CuO at nanoscale with high surface area support like graphene can further enhance the overall adsorption capacity of H2S In this case, degree of oxygen functional groups and surface area of graphene in conjunction with particle size and distribution of metal oxide nanoparticles would be conducive for low-temperature H2S adsorption [33]. In the present work, the effect of the sub-20 nm CuO supported onto high surface area graphene is investigated as a sorbent for H2S removal
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