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249-2 Oxidation of Graphene Disrupts Its Conjugated π-Electron Network Resulting in Reduced Microwave Reactivity and Adsorption Capacity

Session: Emerging Contaminants: Geochemical Insights and Impacts on Human and Environmental Health

Presenting Author:

Manisha Choudhary

Authors:

Choudhary, Manisha¹, Wang, Wenhu², Mensah, Kenneth³, Mukhopadhyay, Sharmila M⁴, Apul, Onur G.⁵

(1) Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA, (2) 2Frontier Institute of Research in Sensor Technologies, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA, (3) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA; Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA, (4) Frontier Institute of Research in Sensor Technologies, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA; Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA, (5) Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA; Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA,

Abstract:

Graphenes and graphene-based adsorbents hold great promise for thermal regeneration through microwave irradiation, thanks to their electronic mobility and ability to absorb microwaves. This study explores how oxidation influences their heating characteristics during microwave exposure and their capacity to adsorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A series of graphene oxides (GOs) were synthesized, followed by a thorough analysis of their chemical properties and surface structures. Despite the addition of polar C−O functional groups through oxidation, which typically enhance microwave reactivity, a reduction was observed due to the disruption of the conjugated π-electron network. As the oxidation degree increased to 37% of bulk-oxygen content, a significant reduction of 60% in the microwave reactivity of GO was observed. The results suggest that the conjugated π-electron system plays a crucial role in microwave reactivity, potentially contrasting with the effects of polar C−O bonds on dielectric properties. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity for the model compound diminished with increased oxidation, reinforcing the notion of decreased π-π electron donor-acceptor interactions and the formation of water clusters around the oxygen-containing functional groups. This research offers insights into the mechanistic relationship between the π-electron network of graphenes and their microwave reactivity, paving the way for the application of microwave irradiation in regenerating spent graphenic adsorbents for water treatment purposes.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-9369

Oxidation of Graphene Disrupts Its Conjugated π-Electron Network Resulting in Reduced Microwave Reactivity and Adsorption Capacity

Description

Session Format: Oral

Presentation Date: 10/22/2025

Presentation Start Time: 08:15 AM

Presentation Room: HBGCC, 302A

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