Influence of the Defects in a Graphene Oxide on the Reduction via Ascorbic Acid for Structuring Aerogels

Abstract

Studies of graphene oxide (GO) have reached new structural possibilities by controlled reducing reactions using ascorbic acid. With the ability of selective reduction, this acid induces the tailoring effect of the sheets, causing a porous lattice. The present study proposes an investigation onto the quality of graphene oxide produced using Hummers' method to understand the reduction mechanism of ascorbic acid better. X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance and Raman Spectroscopy analyses were performed. The sample presented a typical crystalline structure of GOs, with appreciable degrees of oxidation and moderate density of defects—promising characteristics in forming the porous network of aerogels.