Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide Derivatives via Functionalization Reaction with Hexamethylene Diisocyanate
Graphene oxide (GO), the oxidized form of graphene, shows unique properties, such as strong mechanical strength, high thermal conductivity, amphiphilicity, and surface functionalization capability that make it very attractive in various fields, ranging from medicine to optoelectronic devices and solar cells. However, its insolubility in non-polar and polar aprotic solvents hinders some applications. To solve this issue, novel functionalization strategies are pursued. In this regard, the current study deals with the preparation and characterization of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-functionalized GO. Different reaction conditions were tested to optimize the functionalization degree (FD), and detailed characterization was conducted via Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to confirm the success of the functionalization reaction. The HDI-GO could further react with other organic molecules or polymers via the remaining oxygen groups, which makes them ideal candidates as nanofillers for high-performance GO-based polymer nanocomposites.