Retracted Article: Tuning the chemistry of graphene oxides by a sonochemical approach: application of adsorption properties

Abstract

The change in the chemical properties of graphene oxides (GOs) can be tuned by the sonochemical approach. The layers of GOs were significantly decreased by the sonochemical approach as seen from high resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis. Abundant hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups were introduced with increasing ultrasonic time by the analysis of Raman, FTIR, UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy and XPS techniques. The adsorption of U(VI) on GOs significantly increased at pH 1.0–6.0, whereas decreased adsorption was observed at pH > 8.0. The adsorption capacities of GOs increased with increasing ultrasonic time. According to EXAFS analysis, the interaction mechanism between radionuclides and GOs was inner-sphere surface complexation. Such an efficient approach to control the chemical properties of GOs further promotes its applications in environmental cleanup.