Controllable reduction of graphene oxide/poly(Butyl acrylate) hybrids under ATRP conditions

Abstract

This study is aimed on the controllable reduction of the graphene oxide (GO) sheets during surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). GO sheets were successfully synthesized using Hummers method and properly characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SI-ATRP approach was used to simultaneously modify the GO surface by poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) brushes and its chemical reduction in the single-step synthesis. The presence of the polymer brushes on the GO sheets was investigated by gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance and FTIR. Simultaneous GO reduction during polymerization was confirmed using Raman spectroscopy and finally by conductivity measurement. Compatibility of the GO and GO-PBA sheets was investigated via contact angle measurements of sessile drop between GO substrates and poly(dimethyl siloxane). From the potential applicability point of view, the modification of graphene-based hybrids by polymers is highly important especially when the compatibility as well as conductivity of GO-PBA sheets with surroundings plays a crucial role i.e. the light-stimulated sensors based on silicon or other elastomers.