Biosynthesis of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles from Coconut Fronds
G. Kaviyarasan *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
C. Sharmila Rahale
Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
R. Shanmugasundaram
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
V. Palaniselvam
Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
N. Saranya
Department of Plant Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
To address the ecofriendly approach for the nano graphene oxide (nGO) synthesis, “Wealth from waste” idea utilized in this study. The synthesis process involves the controlled reduction and manipulation of nGO sheets to achieve nano-scale dimensions, resulting in nGO with improved structural integrity and enhanced surface area. Characterization of the synthesized nGO is conducted using advanced analytical tools, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and Particle Size Analyser (PSA). The PSA analysis revealed, a predominantly monodisperse distribution with a peak size of approximately 314 nanometers with indicative of good dispersion uniformity. The UV-Visible spectroscopy displayed a significant absorption peak at 234 nanometers, elucidating the material’s optical characteristics. TEM images unveiled the structural features such as wrinkles, folds and nanoscale dimensions. The XRD diffractogram suggested the presence of both GO and rGO phases with unique intensity peaks at 10.33° and 32.35° shown the interlayer spacing of 3.72 and 1.11 nm respectively. These analyses provide valuable insights into the morphology, size and crystallinity present in the nGO, aiding in its structural elucidation. These findings affirm the successful conversion of coconut fronds waste into GO nanoparticles and open avenues for sustainable nanomaterial production. The unique properties of GO are utilized for water purification, oil spill cleanup, energy storage, sensors, composite materials, photodetectors, anticorrosive coatings, and so on. The biosynthesis of nano graphene oxide particles offers exciting opportunities for the development of next-generation materials with enhanced performance characteristics.
Keywords: Graphene oxide, coconut, nanoparticles, TEM