Modification of Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry Representational Method in Graphene Nanoplates Dispersion

Abstract

Graphene nanoplates (GNPs) are carbon nanomaterials with two-dimensional structure which is easy to reunite and their dispersion is necessary before using. The existing methods for dispersion characterization mainly include UV spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). In this research study, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), polyoxyethylene (40) nonylphenyl ether, branched (CO890), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) were used as dispersants, and ultrasonic treatment was employed as dispersion method. Ultraviolet spectrum for GNPs showed that some errors were attained, resulting from dispersant at 274 nm characteristic wavelength of GNPs dispersions with deionized water as controlled sample. The errors could be eliminated if dispersant solution was used as controlled sample. The microstructures of dispersed GNPs observed by SEM, TEM and AFM suggested that the GNPs were dispersed uniformly with 2.5 g/L SDBS, which showed the best dispersion effect. Raman spectrum indicated that more chaotic distribution and edge structures were achieved after dispersion.