Graphene Oxide

Graphene oxide is a chemically modified form of graphene, which is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, containing oxygen functional groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH), epoxy (-O-), and carboxyl (-COOH) on the surface. Graphene oxide readily disperses in water due to its hydrophilic nature, and when placed in water, the oxygen containing groups on its surface interact with water molecules through hydrogen bonding, resulting in stable colloidal suspensions. It has been known to be incorporated into polymers and other materials to improve their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, being investigated for its potential use in drug delivery systems, biosensors, and medical imaging due to its biocompatibility and functionalizability. Graphene oxide has been explored for its ability to adsorb and remove pollutants from water, including heavy metals, organic contaminants, and dyes due to its large surface area and functional groups enable it to bind to a wide range of substances. However, while graphene oxide has promising applications, its potential toxicity to the human health and well-being is still being researched as these toxicities depend on factors such as size, concentration, surfaces modification, and exposure durations.