Graphene oxide as carboelectrocatalyst for in situ electrochemical oxidation and sensing of chemical warfare agent simulant

The graphene oxide (GO) was prepared via the chemical oxidation of natural graphite powder followed by microwave irradiation and then used to modify the surface of gold (Au) electrode. The morphology of GO was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The synthesized GO was used as a carboelectrocatalyst for the electrochemical oxidation of chemical warfare agent simulant thiodiglycol (TDG) at room temperature by modifying the gold (Au) electrode with GO. The electrochemical behavior of TDG on GO modified Au electrode (GO/Au electrode) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The results with GO/Au electrode indicated involvement of excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the TDG oxidation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) results revealed the formation of 2-(2-hydroxy-ethanesulfinyl)-aldehyde as main oxidation product. Degradation studies were also performed and products were identified by GC–MS which indicated the formation of thioglycolic acid, 2-(2-hydroxy-ethanesulfinyl)-ethanol, 1,4-oxathione and 1,4-oxathiane 4 oxide as main degradation products.