Photochemical stability and reactivity of graphene oxide

The photoreactivity of graphene oxide (GO) suspensions was investigated with a double aim: (i) to give insights into the previously reported photo-reduction process, which allows a partial elimination of the oxygen-containing groups from the 2D graphitic structure; (ii) to explore the possible use of GO as photo-activator able to promote the photo-transformation/abatement of organic molecules. To reach these goals and clarify some peculiar aspects of the photochemistry of GO till now obscure or confuse, we synthesized and characterized stable GO suspensions which were then subjected to UV–Vis irradiation for prolonged times. GO underwent partial photo-reduction with the release of gaseous molecules and soluble organic species (e.g., carboxylic acid). The mechanisms of photo-reduction occurring under air or N2 are different, as assessed by the release in solution of diverse soluble molecules. In the presence of oxygen, at long irradiation time, a complete solubilization of the graphenic structures was observed. No difference in the nature and amount of released gases (principally CO2 and CO) was observed in the oxic or anoxic conditions. The possible use of GO as photo-activator was evaluated using phenol as probe molecule. GO revealed a double role of photo-activator and reagent in phenol degradation, as competition was assessed between GO self-transformation/reduction and phenol degradation. At prolonged irradiation time, a marked reactivity of the photoformed species was observed and the complete degradation was achieved for both organic small molecules formed from GO and the phenol added as probe molecule.