Kajian Struktur dan Morfologi Grafin Oksida Bersulfonat yang Disediakan dengan Pelopor Berbeza

Abstract

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) as nano sized filler to improve the properties of polymer electrolyte membrane was synthesized via the modified Hummers method. Hummers is the most common method used to synthesize GO. The GO is produced by exfoliation of graphite oxide under sonication method. Dispersion by sonication method shows mechanical disruption that breaks apart the graphite flakes which is then sterically stabilized in the base solution. The as-synthesized GO will be sulfonated using different precursors, namely (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), butane sultone (BS) and sulfanilic acid (SA). The structure and morphology of GO and sulfonated GO (SGO) were investigated in details by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of several functional groups such as hydroxyl, epoxy, carbonyl, carboxyl and sulfonic acid group. The obtained SEM and TEM images indicated, that the morphology of GO dispersion is folded, multilayered and crumpled with some wrinkles. The morphology of SGO showed a folded, thicker and overlap surface compared with GO sheets. Based on TEM image, the addition of sulfonic acid group into the GO network reveals the black spot on the sheets surface. This SGO will act as a potential base material for the application of solid acid catalyst, water purification as well as a composite in membrane fabrication.