Application of Graphene Oxide–Natural Polymer Composite Adsorption Materials in Water Treatment

Abstract

Graphene is a new type of carbon material with excellent properties that has been developed in recent years. Graphene composites have potential application value in solving the problem of water pollution. In this study, we investigated the properties and performance of graphene composites prepared through polymer modification and inorganic particle doping modification. Our research focused on the composites’ ability to adsorb heavy metal ions and degrade organic compounds through photocatalysis. In this study, we prepared graphene oxide (GO) first and then grafted p-phenylenediamine onto its surface. The process was successful and yielded promising results. The aniline grafted onto the graphene oxide surface was used as anchor point for the in situ redox polymerization of aniline, and a polyaniline macromolecular chain was grafted onto the edge of graphene oxide. The structure of the composite was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The adsorption performance of Pb+ on GO-PANI composite was studied. The maximum adsorption capacity of the GO-PANI composite for Pb+ is 1416 mg/g, 2.3 times that of PANI. Graphene/polyaniline composites can be used as an excellent adsorbent for Pb2+ heavy metal ions and have great application prospects in heavy metal wastewater treatment.