Green-synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets using rose water and a survey on their characteristics and applications

Abstract

Rose water as a green reducing and stabilizing agent is introduced and used for the chemical reduction of exfoliated graphite oxide (GO) and the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (RGONs). The prepared materials are characterized with UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results of XRD analysis show that the oxygen containing functional groups of exfoliated GO have been removed remarkably after its reduction by rose water. AFM and Raman spectroscopy results indicate that the exfoliated GO has been reduced to monolayer RGONs. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements show that the rate of electron transfer of the redox probe on prepared RGONs is much higher than that observed on exfoliated GO, indicating the capability of the proposed method for the production of RGONs. Moreover, excellent electrocatalytic activity towards catechol, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and immobilized glucose oxidase is observed on a glassy carbon electrode modified with RGONs, indicating the applicability of the prepared RGONs for the fabrication of sensors and biosensors.