The Graphene Surface Chemistry and Adsorption Science

Abstract

Graphene (G) has attracted immense attention due to its exceptional physicochemical and electronic properties, and quite a large amount of literature has accumulated on this subject over the last few decades. The current work, based on a systematic review of the relevant literature, was designed to provide an overview of G surface chemistry with respect to its adsorption science. The aim was to improve knowledge of the graphene surface chemistry while informing new strategies for designing and implementing new G materials for emerging applications. The key G surface reactions include: molecular adsorption of gases, bandgap tuning, gas detection tests; alkali metal storage for battery technology; G vacancy engineering; environmental amelioration of pollutants; and sensors and biosensors technology. GO (graphene oxide) or G has been surface-modified using nonmetals, metals, metal oxides, or organics. In general, GO and related functionalized materials have high affinity and adsorption efficacy for ionic adsorbates, whereas pristine G, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), exhibits enhanced hydrophobic surfaces with propensity to strong π-π interactions. The metals’ adsorption and doping can impart G magnetic and metallic character, whereas molecular intercalations tend to induce a G bandgap for nano-electronic and nanophotonic uses among other interactions.