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Tuning the Mechanical and Adsorption Properties of Silica with Graphene Oxide
Author(s) -
Singh Vivek K.,
Cura M. Erkin,
Liu Xuwen,
Johansson LeenaSisko,
Ge Yanling,
Hannula SimoPekka
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
chempluschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.801
H-Index - 61
ISSN - 2192-6506
DOI - 10.1002/cplu.201402138
Subject(s) - materials science , graphene , adsorption , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , oxide , composite number , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , scanning electron microscope , ceramic , chemical engineering , composite material , sintering , analytical chemistry (journal) , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy , engineering
Silica and graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized by modified Stöber and Hummer’s methods, respectively. Silica/GO composite powders of different compositions were obtained by introduction of GO sheets in between silica particles through a hydrothermal synthesis. Composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Density measurements were performed with a pycnometer and chemical analyses of powders were performed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Composite powders showed an improvement in the Cu 2+ ion adsorption property relative to pure silica. Composite powders were further consolidated at 1200 °C under 50 MPa pressure in vacuum by pulsed electric current sintering. Transparency in the UV/Vis region, the electrical conductivity, and the toughness of consolidated samples were altered by varying the GO content in the starting materials. Studies suggest that the use of GO as a reinforcing agent not only improves the mechanical properties of transparent silica ceramic, but also improves the electrical conductivity and adsorption properties of silica.