Use of Reduced Graphene Oxide to Modify Melamine and Polyurethane for the Removal of Organic and Oil Wastes

Abstract

Methods for obtaining efficient sorption materials based on highly porous melamine and polyurethane matrices modified with reduced graphene oxide were developed. These materials are promising for solving environmental problems such as water pollution with organic products by sorption treatment. Reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) were synthesized from graphene oxide suspensions using potassium hydroxide, ascorbic acid or hydrazine hydrate. Composites with obtained rGO and melamine and polyurethane foam were produced for further characterization. The composites demonstrate high sorption of organic pollutants (oil, diesel fuel and gasoline) and low sorption of water. The composites were comprehensively analyzed by physicochemical techniques (SEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis) to elucidate the mechanism of sorption.