Functionalization and partial grafting of the reduced graphene oxide with p-phenylenediamine: An adsorption and photodegradation studies

Abstract

p - phenylenediamine-Graphene Oxide (PPDG) nanocomposite was prepared by a simple combined hydrothermal method. The as-prepared composite was entirely characterized by Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transfer infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). SEM and TEM analysis shows the presence of flaky nanoparticles with sizes alternating from 100 to 200 nm. PPDG nanocomposite has exceptional adsorption potential and high adsorption rates towards removing Pb2+ metal ions. Our study indicates that the adsorption data were best fit for Langmuir adsorption isotherm with a high adsorption capacity of 800 mgg−1, whereas the kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. PPDG is also used for Crystal Violet (CV) & Methylene Blue (MB) degradation. We can observe the 96 percent degradation in the first 40 min at 2.5 mg PPDG concentration and above pH 6.0. Varying concentrations and pH studied both adsorption and photocatalysis. The synthesized nanocomposite can be efficiently used to remove toxic heavy metal ions and dyes.