Presentation description

Graphene Oxide is a unique material due to its flexibility and conductivity. Knowledge of 3D graphene oxide structures is still minimal. The Fernandes research group creates 3D-printed graphene oxide structures and subsequently characterizes them by their efficiency of intercalant release. We first synthesize graphene oxide from an existing stock of graphite powder. The resulting graphene oxide is in an aqueous state. Prior to gelation, we add various intercalants to the solution. This presentation examines the addition of Rhodamine B as an intercalant. This solution undergoes gelation using sodium polyacrylate to dehydrate it. A 3D printer uses a syringe pump extruder to print the semi-dehydrated graphene oxide solution into cubes. These cubes are set to various layer heights (1, 2, 5, etc.). The 3D cubes are sent through a freeze dryer to solidify them completely. Once solidified, the cubes are submerged in water to allow the intercalant to be released. The release is tracked using a UV-vis spectrometer. Once intercalant release stagnates, the sample is measured a final time, and layer height and structure are classified by total release amount. This information can be used in a multitude of instances, from pharmaceuticals to beauty products.