3D Structures Based on Reduced Graphite Oxide and Gold Nanoparticles and Their Sorption Properties

The preparation of hydro- and aerogels based on reduced graphite oxide and gold nanoparticles obtained by the method of Turkevich is described. According to the transmission electron microscopy data, gold nanoparticles have a spherical shape and an average size of 16‒18 nm. Sorption of methylene blue dye from water solutions was used to characterize the obtained 3D structures. The sorption properties of hydro- and aerogels were compared; it was shown that aerogels sorb the dye more efficiently (>80%) than a composite based on hydrogel (~50%). The formed porous 3D structure of the aerogel efficiently sorbs the molecules of the dye, while the gold nanoparticles facilitate its destruction under the visible light. Sorption by aerogels of pure graphite oxide is most efficient at room temperature, in a neutral medium, and in the absence of additional reducing agents. Introduction of gold nanoparticles to aerogels led to an increase of the maximal sorption by 15%.