Graphene Oxide/Activated Clay/Gelatin Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Properties

In this work, graphene oxide/activated clay/Gelatin (GO/AC/G) composite blends were prepared by a simple solution mixing method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to study the novelty in the structural characterization of the samples. The thermal stability of these materials was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained results showed that a homogeneous mixture of AC, GO, and G was formed. XRD results indicated on successful formation of an intercalated structure in the composites. The disappearance of peaks at 2 = 8.1° and 2 = 13.5° were observed for montmorillonite and GO, respectively, indicating the homogenous distribution of the GO sheets into the activated clay structure. The interlayer spacing increased from 19.4 to 23.5 Å due to the insertion of gelatin molecules into the sheets of the clay. The IR spectrum of (GO/AC/G) composite revealed the presence of C-O-C bonds, C=C bending, C-OH vibration, and C=O bending. These results show that GO was composited with AC structure. Furthermore, an intense band of N-H of gelatin at 3419 cm-1 was ameliorated via the combination with absorption bonds of O-H, indicating the interaction of gelatin with the clay. A comparison of the thermograms of GO/AC and GO/AC/G showed that the thermal stability was improved in the new prepared composite. High adsorption potential and regeneration capability make the GO/AC and GO/AC/G composites the potential environmentally friendly materials for reducing dye pollution.