Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials Research Articles

Advances in the cytotoxic mechanism of nanomaterials graphene oxide

Graphene oxide is a novel two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial, but it has potential risks for the health of occupationally exposed workers. This article briefly reviews the research progress on the cytotoxic mechanism of graphene oxide and its derivatives in terms of oxidative stress, physical damage and dysfunction of enzyme activity. This review also discusses effective measures for the mitigation of cytotoxicity in order to provide helpful evidence for occupational health risk and biological safety assessment of graphene nanomaterials in China.

A NOVEL TREATMENT BY GRAPHENE-BASED NANOMATERIALS AND 6-BENZYLAMINOPURINE TO IMPROVE FLOWERING AND CORM PRODUCTION OF GLADIOLUS GRANDIFLORUS ANDREWS ‘WHITE PROSPERITY’

Graphene-based nanomaterials have great potential to improve cut flower production, including the production of high-quality corms of gladiolus locally to compensate for the shortage in imported corms mostly from the Netherlands due to the recent unprecedented global spread of COVID-19. In this study, we investigated the response of the cultivar ‘White Prosperity’ to various doses of nano-carbon as graphene oxide nanomaterials (0, 3, 5 and 7 g/l) in combination with BA (0, 50, 75 and 100 mg/l). The results demonstrated that the combination of the medium or the high BA concentrations (50 and 75 mg/l), with these of nano-carbon (5 and 7 g/l) promoted good vegetative and flowering growth. Pearson’s product correlation showed positive relationships between all the tested parameters except for the number of days to flowering, which negatively correlated with all the traits. These results were further confirmed by PCA results. Our findings provide evidence that nano-carbon can render positive effects on flowering and corm production of gladiolus that may be applicable for other important flower bulb species.

Research progress in application of immobilized ionic liquid materials to separation by solid-phase extraction

离子液体是由阴、阳离子组成的低温熔融盐,几乎没有蒸汽压,具有稳定性好、溶解能力强、结构可设计、导电性好等优良性能。离子液体作为一种广受关注的新型“绿色溶剂”,具有代替传统有机溶剂的潜力,其制备方法和应用范围研究日趋完善和多样,已广泛应用于催化化学、光电化学、材料化学和分析化学等领域。离子液体通过功能化导向设计后,可以将羟基、氨基、羧基、氰基等活性基团键合在离子液体结构上,促使其更加易于与目标分子通过生成π-π键、氢键、离子键和范德华力等而产生相互作用,更加易于发生固定化反应。将离子液体负载到固体载体材料进行固定化后,新型材料既可以减少离子液体的流失,同时保留了离子液体和固体载体的独特性能,具有富集效率高、吸附容量高、稳定性好、识别位点多、萃取选择性强、离子液体利用率高等特点,近年来,在有机小分子固相萃取分离研究中应用广泛。该文从离子液体与硅胶、分子筛、分子印迹聚合物、氧化石墨烯、磁性材料等固体载体的固定化研究情况入手,综述了离子液体固定化材料在固相萃取分离中的应用情况,涉及的目标分离物质包括生物碱类、黄酮类、多酚类等天然活性成分,以及常见药物分子、有机农药等有机小分子化合物,系统地介绍了离子液体与多种载体固定化的性质、应用和分离机制。离子液体的引入,增加了复合材料的活性位点分布和吸附容量,离子液体固定化材料的吸附效率与离子液体种类、吸附材料用量、样品溶液浓度、吸附温度、pH值、洗脱溶剂类型、用量及流速等因素有关。该文探讨了离子液体结构相对单一、相关基础理论研究相对薄弱、复杂基质萃取程度不理想等问题,并提出相应的解决思路,以期为离子液体固定化材料在复杂基质中目标分子分离分析方面的应用提供借鉴和参考。

Uptake and effects of graphene oxide nanomaterials alone and in combination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in zebrafish

Because of its surface characteristics, once in the aquatic environment, graphene could act as a carrier of pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), to aquatic organisms. In this study we aimed to (1) assess the capacity of graphene oxide (GO) to sorb PAHs and (2) to evaluate the toxicity of GO alone and in combination with PAHs on zebrafish embryos and adults. GO showed a high sorption capacity for benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) (98% of B(a)P sorbed from a nominal concentration of 100 μg/L) and for other PAHs of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of a naphthenic North Sea crude oil, depending on their log Kow (95.7% of phenanthrene, 84.4% of fluorene and 51.5% of acenaphthene). In embryos exposed to different GO nanomaterials alone and with PAHs, no significant mortality was recorded for any treatment. Nevertheless, malformation rate increased significantly in embryos exposed to the highest concentrations (5 or 10 mg/L) of GO and reduced GO (rGO) alone and with sorbed B(a)P (GO-B(a)P). On the other hand, adults were exposed for 21 days to 2 mg/L of GO, GO-B(a)P and GO co-exposed with WAF (GO + WAF) and to 100 μg/L B(a)P. Fish exposed to GO presented GO in the intestine lumen and liver vacuolisation. Transcription level of genes related to cell cycle regulation and oxidative stress was not altered, but the slight up-regulation of cyp1a measured in fish exposed to B(a)P for 3 days resulted in a significantly increased EROD activity. Fish exposed to GO-B(a)P and to B(a)P for 3 days and to GO + WAF for 21 days showed significantly higher catalase activity in the gills than control fish. Significantly lower acetylcholinesterase activity, indicating neurotoxic effects, was also observed in all fish treated for 21 days. Results demonstrated the capacity of GO to carry PAHs and to exert sublethal effects in zebrafish.

Effect of Montelukast Sodium and Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials on Mouse Asthma Model.

Because some asthma patients have different types of inflammatory cells in their bodies, they cannot get relief with traditional drugs. However, the nano drug delivery system can realize efficient drug delivery, inflammatory cells and intracellular targeting, and the apoptosis of inflammatory cells. This article aims to comprehensively evaluate the effects of montelukast sodium combined with graphene oxide nanomaterials on improving the clinical symptoms and airway inflammation of children with bronchial asthma, with a view to further improving the clinical treatment of children with bronchial asthma. The results show that montelukast sodium can improve lung function in patients with asthma, and also has important effects such as anti-inflammatory and regulating immune function. After exposure to graphene oxide, the level of oxidative stress in mice increased with brightness and humidity, demonstrating the role of T oxidative stress in the development of asthma. In addition, nanocarriers assist co-loaded drugs to deepen and enrich the pulmonary inflammation site, further achieving effective mitochondrial targeted drug delivery, thereby enhancing the inhibitory effect of anti-apoptotic proteins, leading to inflammatory cell apoptosis.

Rapid synthesis and characterization of silver-loaded graphene oxide nanomaterials and their antibacterial applications.

With the promising potential application of Ag/graphene-based nanomaterials in medicine and engineering materials, the large-scale production has attracted great interest of researchers on the basis of green synthesis. In this study, water-soluble silver/graphene oxide (Ag/GO) nanomaterials were synthesized under ultrasound-assisted conditions. The structural characteristics of Ag/GO were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed the silver particles (AgNPs) obtained by reduction were attached to the surface of GO, and there was a strong interaction between AgNPs and GO. The antibacterial activity was primarily evaluated by the plate method and hole punching method. Antibacterial tests indicated that Ag/GO could inhibit the growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, special for the Staphylococcus aureus.

Graphene oxide–coated pyrolysed biochar from waste sawdust and its application for treatment of cadmium-containing solution: batch, fixed-bed column, regeneration, and mathematical modelling

Cadmium being a heavy metal, which is also a known pollutant, had a wide variety of usage in many industries like electro-plating industries, phosphate fertilizers, batteries, mining, stabilizers, pigments, and alloys. In this study, sawdust was used to produce the nanocoated adsorbent. Sawdust is non-hazardous low-cost waste materials and easily available. Thermally activated biochar was produced from sawdust and coated with graphene oxide nanomaterials in two different methods, and the synthesized nanocomposite was used to remove cadmium present in solution. Batch study was performed to optimize different parameters for better removal. Experiments were performed and the best condition optimized for removal of cadmium was found to be pH 7.5 and temperature 35 °C or 308.15 K, with 1 g/L adsorbent dose, and within 2 h, i.e. 120 min, above 55.68 mg/g removal capacity was attained with initial metal concentration of 50 mg/L. The modified saw dust composite was more effective in removal of cadmium than the normal sawdust-based composites. The characterization of the nanocomposite was done to know the internal structure of the composite. The continuous fixed-bed column study was performed, and the study followed Admas–Bohart model. The batch and column study results showed that this nanocoated composite can be an alternative for the treatment of pollutant present in the solution. The regeneration of the composite showed a sustainable use of the composite for the treatment of pollutant.

Enhanced transport properties of graphene oxide based cement composite material

This study is aimed to evaluate the transport properties of a cement composite incorporated with graphene oxide (GO). GO is a 2-dimensional nano material, enriched with reactive oxygen functional groups which made it as a suitable reactive material with cementitious materials. The GO-cement composite was prepared by adding GO in four different proportions such as 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, and 0.04% by weight of cement. In the durability aspect water absorption, water sorptivity, resistance to acid attack, mechanical properties, thermal analysis, chloride migration coefficient, and chloride penetration depth were examined experimentally for GO-cement composite specimens and compared with plane cement composite specimens. Experimental results indicated that 14.5%, 30%, and 40.47% degradation in water absorption capacity, chloride migration coefficient, and chloride penetration depth of cement composite specimens with 0.03% addition of graphene oxide than normal cement composite specimens at 28 days of curing. Additionally, significant decrement in the sorptivity coefficient of cement composite was also achieved at 0.03% of GO addition. Mechanical properties were enhanced by 77.70% in flexural strength at 0.03% of GO addition and 47.61% in compressive strength at 0.04% of GO addition in cement composite at 28 days of curing. SEM analysis of the test samples exhibited the pore filled structure of the cement composites with GO addition. In addition, all GO-cement composite specimens exhibited greater resistance to an acidic environment and negligible loss in strength and weight was observed than normal cement composite specimens at 28 days immersion in 2% and 5% concentrations of both H2SO4 and HCl acidic solutions. Thermal resistance was increased in the terms of compressive strength in all GO-cement composite mixes gradually by increasing the concentration of GO content from 0.01% to 0.04% by weight of cement. It can be concluded that an effective improvement in transport properties of cement composite was achieved by the incorporation of graphene oxide nano material.

Evolution of structural and electrical properties in coal-derived graphene oxide nanomaterials during high-temperature annealing

Graphene oxide nanomaterials have been synthesized from Powder River Basin coal using an alternative nitric acid method. The absorption at ultraviolet-visible light energies and thermal decomposition properties of GO derived from raw and charred coal are comparable to graphene oxide fabricated using the improved Hummers' method. Similar observations are extended for coal residues, making coal a promising candidate for an environmentally friendly synthesis approach. The electrical conductivity of powder coal char reduced graphene oxide via this new method, is increased to 4800 S m−1 at 2500 °C, comparable to the improved Hummers' method. For coal-derived graphene nanomaterials, an additional Raman feature D″ related to the amorphous phase in carbonaceous materials is found. The consideration of this feature along with the ratio of sp2-hybridized carbon atoms to structural defects, second-order Raman modes, and complementary X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy is used to characterize the properties of thermally reduced graphene oxide nanomaterials.

An electrochemical biosensing platform for progesterone hormone detection using magnetic graphene oxide.

In recent times, graphene and its derivatives have turned out to be emerging nanomaterials as transducers to promote electron transport in the field of biosensing using electrochemical techniques. In electrochemical biosensing strategies, key factors such as signal amplification, stability, and sensitivity are necessary for attaining improved sensor performance. In the present work, we synthesized magnetic nanocomposites of graphene oxide and employed them as an electrode material for the loading of bio receptors. The increased surface area with high electric conductance enhanced the sensor's response. The immobilization of progesterone (PGN) antibodies on the modified electrode-sensing surface led to a hindered electron transport that decreased the current response. The developed electrochemical immunosensor assembled successfully in a stepwise process using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) studies along with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. The current response decreased linearly with the increased progesterone (PGN) concentration range of 0.01 pM-1000 nM with excellent detection limits of 0.15 pM (DPV) and 0.17 pM (CV) under optimal experimental conditions. The label-free electrochemical immunosensor has shown a promising platform for rapid and direct analysis of PGN due to its high sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and repeatability in water samples.

β-Cyclodextrin functionalized 3D reduced graphene oxide composite-based electrochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of dopamine.

A three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide nanomaterial with β-cyclodextrin modified glassy carbon electrode (3D-rGO/β-CD/GCE) was constructed and used to detect the electrochemical behavior of dopamine (DA). The nanocomposite materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), Raman spectrogram and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which showed that β-CD was well modified on 3D graphene with a porous structure. The electrochemical properties of different modified electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), proving the highest electron transfer rate of the 3D-rGO/β-CD modified electrode. The experimental conditions such as scan rate, pH, enrichment time and layer thickness were optimized. Under the best experimental conditions, DA was detected by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) by 3D-rGO/β-CD/GCE with excellent electrocatalytic ability and satisfactory recognition ability, resulting in a wide linear range of 0.5–100 μM and a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.013 μM. The modified electrode based on 3D-rGO/β-CD nanocomposites is promising in the field of electrochemical sensors due to its high sensitivity and other excellent properties.

Methods to Scale Down Graphene Oxide Size and Size Implication in Anti-cancer Applications.

Despite considerable progress in the comprehension of the mechanisms involved in the origin and development of cancer, with improved diagnosis and treatment, this disease remains a major public health challenge with a considerable impact on the social and economic system, as well as on the individual. One way to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects is to consider responsive stimuli delivery systems that provide tailor-made release profiles with excellent spatial and temporal control. 2D nanomaterials possess special physicochemical properties (e.g., light, ultrasonic and magnetic responses) and biological behaviors such as endocytosis, biodistribution, biodegradation, and excretory pathways, which lead to their use in various biomedical applications. In particular, among 2D nanomaterials, graphene and its derivatives, namely graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials, have attracted enormous attention in cancer diagnosis and therapy because they combine, in a unique material, extremely small size, NIR absorption, delocalized electrons, extremely high surface area, and versatile surface functionality. Taking into account the fundamental role played by GO size, in this review, we summarize the main methods employed to reduce and homogenize in nanometric scale the lateral dimensions of graphene oxide produced by chemical exfoliation of graphite, as well as post-synthesis separation techniques to uniform the size. We also discuss the implication of the small size in cancer treatment by exploiting GO nanocarriers as an effective theranostic tool.

Fabrication of graphene/gelatin/chitosan/tricalcium phosphate 3D printed scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration applications

The scaffold structures formed by the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanomaterials can be studied to improve the 3D matrix properties in the applications of bone regeneration. On the other hand, RGO has delayed the incorporation into the mixtures that were determined to generate scaffolds on using 3D printing because of its poor colloidal stability of particles and weak solubility in water. Moreover, to produce RGO, the graphene oxide (GO) was treated with hydrazine hydrate solution, which was well known as a reducing agent that is highly hazardous. To outcome these drawbacks, an unique eco-friendly method was established to gather scaffolds that were 3D printed by the incorporation of RGO. This was obtained using the Gallic acid induced in situ reduction of the GO already existing on the gelatin/chitosan/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds. Moreover, scaffolds also exhibited antibacterial activity without conceding osteoblasts’ cell proliferation and viability. Furthermore, the obtained scaffolds showed good osteoblasts proliferation and viability indicating their possibility for applications in bone fracture healing.

Free-Standing Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Papers with Enhanced Electrical and Mechanical Performance and Their Synergy in Polymer Laminates.

Hybrid nanomaterials fabricated by the heterogeneous integration of 1D (carbon nanotubes) and 2D (graphene oxide) nanomaterials showed synergy in electrical and mechanical properties. Here, we reported the infiltration of carboxylic functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (C-SWNT) into free-standing graphene oxide (GO) paper for better electrical and mechanical properties than native GO. The stacking arrangement of GO sheets and its alteration in the presence of C-SWNT were comprehensively explored through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction. The C-SWNTs bridges between different GO sheets produce a pathway for the flow of electrical charges and provide a tougher hybrid system. The nanoscopic surface potential map reveals a higher work function of the individual functionalised SWNTs than surrounded GO sheets showing efficient charge exchange. We observed the enhanced conductivity up to 50 times and capacitance up to 3.5 times of the hybrid structure than the GO-paper. The laminate of polystyrene composites provided higher elastic modulus and mechanical strength when hybrid paper is used, thus paving the way for the exploitation of hybrid filler formulation in designing polymer composites.

Natural Polysaccharide Based Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Removal of Dyes from Wastewater: A Review

This article discusses the potential applications of natural polysaccharide-based graphene oxide nanomaterials in the field of wastewater remediation through the removal of organic and synthetic dy...

Janus Micromotors Coated with 2D Nanomaterials as Dynamic Interfaces for (Bio)-Sensing.

In this work, we study the interaction of graphdiyne oxide (GDYO)-, graphene oxide (GO)-, or black phosphorous (BP)-wrapped Janus micromotors using a model system relying on a fluorescence-labeled affinity peptide, which is released upon specific interaction with a target Cholera Toxin B. Such ON-OFF-ON system allows mimicking similar processes occurring at (bio)-interfaces and to study the related sorption and desorption kinetics. The distinct surface properties of each nanomaterial play a critical role in the loading/release capacity of the peptide, greatly influencing the release profiles. Sorption obeys a second-order kinetic model using the two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials in connection with micromotors, indicating a strong influence of chemisorption process for BP micromotors. Yet, release kinetics are faster for GDYO and GO nanomaterials, indicating a contribution of π and hydrophobic interactions in the probe sorption (Cholera Toxin B affinity peptide) and target probe release (in the presence of Cholera Toxin B). Micromotor movement also plays a critical role in such processes, allowing for efficient operation in low raw sample volumes, where the high protein content can diminish probe loading/release, affecting the overall performance. The loading/release capacity and feasibility of the (bio)-sensing protocol are illustrated in Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria cultures as realistic domains. The new concept described here holds considerable promise to understand the interaction of micromotor with biological counterparts in a myriad of biomedical and other practical applications, including the design of novel micromotor-based sensors.

A Hybrid Metal-Organic Framework-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanomaterial for Selective Removal of Chromate from Water in an Electrochemical Process.

Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is a highly toxic groundwater contaminant. In this study, we demonstrate a selective electrochemical process tailored for removal of Cr(VI) using a hybrid MOF@rGO nanomaterial synthesized by in situ growth of a nanocrystalline, mixed ligand octahedral metal-organic framework with cobalt metal centers, [Co2(btec)(bipy)(DMF)2]n (Co-MOF), on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The rGO provides the electric conductivity necessary for an electrode, while the Co-MOF endows highly selective adsorption sites for CrO42-. When used as an anode in the treatment cycles, the MOF@rGO electrode exhibits strong selectivity for adsorption of CrO42- over competing anions including Cl-, SO42-, and As(III) and achieves charge efficiency (CE) >100% due to the strong physisorption of CrO42- by Co-MOF; both electro- and physisorption capacities are regenerated with the reversal of the applied voltage, when highly toxic Cr(VI) is reduced to less toxic reduced Cr species and subsequently released into brine. This approach allows easy regeneration of the nonconducting Co-MOF without any chemical addition while simultaneously transforming Cr(VI), inspiring a novel electrochemical method for highly selective degradation of toxic contaminants using tailor-designed electrodes with high affinity adsorbents.

Nanostructured maghemite and magnetite and their nanocomposites with graphene oxide for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

A wet chemical route was utilized to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of the Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The former (γ-Fe2O3) was also used to fabricate composite with graphene oxide (GO). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm the prepared compounds and their composites with GO. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure with the corresponding patterns and other physical parameters. The wider peaks showed the less crystallite size of prepared samples. SEM images showed that the nanoparticles have relatively spherical morphology. The size estimated from the SEM images was in the range of 70–100 nm. The surface properties such as specific surface area and pore size were also determined by N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. The specific surface areas determined from BET analysis were 50 m2/g and 73 m2/g for iron oxide nanoparticles and their composite with GO, respectively. High surface area provided more attachment sites for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) molecules with γ-Fe2O3 @ GO. Further GO suppressed the aggregation of iron oxide nanoparticles. UV spectroscopic analysis led towards band gap energy value which motivated the optical properties of the nanoparticles. As the nanodomain of particles was lowered, the band gap values increased. Therefore the efficacy of γ-Fe2O3 @ GO nanomaterials was improved. The photodegradation of MB by γ-Fe2O3 @ GO was observed up to 90.6% compared to γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Easy electronic conduction from valence band to conduction band and suppression of charge carrier recombination at photocatalyst surface could also increase the photocatalytic activity of photocatalyst.

Commonalities and Differences in the Transcriptional Response of the Model Fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Different Commercial Graphene Oxide Materials.

Graphene oxide has become a very appealing nanomaterial during the last years for many different applications, but its possible impact in different biological systems remains unclear. Here, an assessment to understand the toxicity of different commercial graphene oxide nanomaterials on the unicellular fungal model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae was performed. For this task, an RNA purification protocol was optimized to avoid the high nucleic acid absorption capacity of graphene oxide. The developed protocol is based on a sorbitol gradient separation process for the isolation of adequate ribonucleic acid levels (in concentration and purity) from yeast cultures exposed to the carbon derived nanomaterial. To pinpoint potential toxicity mechanisms and pathways, the transcriptome of S. cerevisiae exposed to 160 mg L–1 of monolayer graphene oxide (GO) and graphene oxide nanocolloids (GOC) was studied and compared. Both graphene oxide products induced expression changes in a common group of genes (104), many of them related to iron homeostasis, starvation and stress response, amino acid metabolism and formate catabolism. Also, a high number of genes were only differentially expressed in either GO (236) or GOC (1077) exposures, indicating that different commercial products can induce specific changes in the physiological state of the fungus.

In-situ growth of metal-organophosphorus nanosheet/nanorod on graphene for enhancing flame retardancy and mechanical properties of epoxy resin

Metal phenylphosphonate (MPhP)/piperazine-reduced graphene oxide (PGO) nanomaterials with different metal centers (M = Ce, Al, Co, Zn) were facilely synthesized. We found that the morphology of metal-organophosphorus was controlled by the coordinated metal centers, trivalent metal-organophosphorus exhibited nanosheet morphology, while divalent metal-organophosphorus displayed nanorod morphology. In addition, the role of metal centers on the flame safety and mechanical performance of epoxy resin (EP) were studied. The limiting oxygen index values of EP composites with only 3 wt% of additive were increased in different levels (the CePhP-PGO/EP was increased most, up from 24.5% to 34.5%), and the MPhP-PGO/EP composites all pass UL-94 V-0 rating, which was owing to the multi-coordinating effect (physical shield of GO, the catalytic of metal and gas-phase effect of P-containing radicals). Specifically, we verified that P element of MPhP-PGO (M = Ce, Al) could act on both condensed and gas phase, while MPhP-PGO (M = Co, Zn) only acted in the condensed-phase, thus MPhP-PGO/EP (M = Ce, Al) showed better enhancing effect on flame retardancy of EP. Beyond that, MPhP-PGO/EP (M = Co, Zn) displayed more excellent mechanical properties, is due to MPhP (M = Co, Zn) (nanorod) which had good reinforcement effect to EP matrix.