Microwave-assisted simultaneous reduction and titanate treatment of graphene oxide

Abstract

Simultaneous reduction and functionalization of graphene oxide was conducted with the assistance of microwave irradiation. A titanate coupling agent was utilized for the functionalization of graphene. TEM, XPS and FTIR were employed to characterize the changes in graphene morphology and chemistry. The results suggested that the titanate coupling agent was bonded covalently on the graphene surfaces. The surface of graphene remained hydrophilic after the reduction of graphene oxide, while the electrical conductivity of graphene was partially restored. Titanate functionalized graphene was mixed with the waterborne polyurethane (PU) to prepare nanocomposites. The graphene/PU nanocomposites exhibited a conductive percolation threshold of 0.1 wt%.