Amphiphilic aminoclay–RGO hybrids: a simple strategy to disperse a high concentration of RGO in water

Abstract

The aqueous dispersion of graphene or reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is very much important to realize the full potential of these materials in many fields. Herein we present a simple route to prepare highly water dispersible aminoclay–RGO (AC–RGO) hybrids by the in situ condensation of aminoclay over graphene oxide (GO) followed by reduction with hydrazine hydrate. The resultant hybrids are stable in aqueous media even at concentrations up to 7.5 mg RGO per mL. To the best of our knowledge this is the highest concentration of an aqueous dispersion of RGO. Significantly, the hybrids are amphiphilic in nature and show simultaneous adsorption of Cytochrome C through hydrophobic interaction and DNA through electrostatic interaction. This strategy opens up new possibilities for the prospect of RGO in catalysis and biomedical applications.