Hydrothermal-assisted green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO) using lemon (Citrus Limon) peel extract

Abstract

An economical, sustainable and environmentally friendly approach was employed to synthesise reduce graphene oxide from lemon (Citrus limon) peel extract. In the present study, highly exfoliated graphene oxide sheets were obtained from graphite flakes using the Tour method. Phytochemical extracts of lemon peel were adopted for the reduction of graphene oxide. The prepared graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide were characterized using various techniques such as the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV–Visible spectroscopy. The morphology of synthesized graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide were investigated using the scanning electron microscopy technique. UV–Vis absorption spectra show that the energy band gap reduces after the reduction of graphene oxide. According to the findings, lemon peel extract can function as a reducing agent, and hydrothermal treatment can start the reduction process, which results in the synthesis of high-quality reduced graphene oxide nanosheets.