Self assembly of functionalised graphene nanostructures by one step reduction of graphene oxide using aqueous extract of Artemisia vulgaris

Abstract

We report self assembly and organisation of graphene sheets to form a macroscopically ordered array of graphene layers using one step reduction of graphene oxide. Aqueous extract of dry leaves of Artemisia vulgaris is used for de-oxygenation of graphene oxide. The reduced graphene oxide samples are investigated for two different reflux times viz. for 6h and 12h. It is found that for an efficient reduction of graphene oxide and for the minimal damage to the crystal structure 6h of reflux is the most favourable. Besides reducing graphene oxide, the phytomolecules also functionalise the graphene layers with electron withdrawing groups by virtue of which three dimensional nanostructures are formed on its surface.