Nanobubbles in graphene oxide synthesis: investigation of structure and physicochemical properties with boosting of oxygen content and microporous surface area†

The present work reports an innovative modification of graphene oxide (GO) using air nanobubbles (NBs). A comprehensive set of characterizations, including Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, porosimetry, and SAXS, confirmed the improved structural features and functional groups. A notable increase in the specific surface area to the value of 109.4 m² (2.5-fold) was achieved through incorporation of the NBs, along with the introduction of microporosity, which significantly improved ion diffusion kinetics relative to previous methodologies. FTIR analyses confirmed the rise in oxygenated functional groups, mostly C–O entities, which improved the surface reactivity of GO@NBs. XRD confirmed the increase in crystallinity as well as greater crystal size in GO@NBs, while SAXS confirmed the structural integrity as well as material porosity. Air NBs, therefore, impact the physicochemical properties of GO extensively and reveal significant opportunities for energy storage, catalysis, and remediation.