Preparation of a freestanding, macroporous reduced graphene oxide film as an efficient and recyclable sorbent for oils and organic solvents

Abstract

In this work, we report the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based freestanding recyclable oil adsorbents via an environmentally friendly one-step low-temperature thermal reduction process. The heating rate was adjusted to successfully control the macroporosity of the rGO films (rGOFs), thereby modulating the adsorption behaviors. The adsorption capacities for a variety of organic solvents and oil species, measured as the percentage weight gain, were measured. Adsorption capacities up to 4500% of the initial rGOF weight were achieved. The films displayed excellent stability over 10 cycles of use and regeneration without incurring significant structural damage or a decrease in the oil adsorption properties. These results suggested that the rGOF-based oil adsorbents may potentially be useful as next-generation oil adsorbent materials for the remediation of the maritime ecosystem in the wake of a massive oil spill.