Synthesis and Characterization of Alkylated Graphene Oxide (AGO) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (ARGO)

Abstract This work focuses on alkylation as an effective method to cope with mixing issue between both graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with hydrophobic polymer such as polypropylene. Alkylation is an amidation reaction to graft alkyl groups onto GO and RGO surfaces. The successful grafting of alkyl groups on GO and RGO to form alkylated graphene oxide (AGO) and alkylated reduced graphene oxide (ARGO) were supported by several analysis. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed the formation of wrinkle surfaces in higher degree for AGO and ARGO, as compared with GO. No agglomeration was seen on both surfaces as well. For Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the appearance of new peaks at around 2921 cm-1, 2850 cm-1 and 1424 cm-1 confirmed the alky chains were grafted successfully. Furthermore, ID/IG ratio for AGO and ARGO were almost similar, proving that no further amount of defect onto structure of AGO was formed in the reduction of AGO. Lastly, for AGO and ARGO, the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra showed the presence of new peaks at 2θ = 20.26° and 20.18°, respectively. Several other peaks can be seen as well, to prove successful alkylation which implied the grafting of alkyl groups provides more reactive site for stronger interfacial reaction with polymer to improve mechanical properties.