Graphene-polypyrrole nanocomposite as a highly efficient and low cost electrically switched ion exchanger for removing ClO₄⁻ from wastewater

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2011 Sep;3(9):3633-7. doi: 10.1021/am200839m. Epub 2011 Aug 15.

Abstract

Perchlorate (ClO(4)(-)) contamination is a widespread concern affecting water utilities. In the present study, functionalized graphene sheets were employed as the scaffold to synthesize a novel graphene-polypyrrole (Ppy) nanocomposite, which served as an excellent electrically switched ion exchanger for perchlorate removal. Scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements showed that the 3D nanostructured graphene-Ppy nanocomposite exhibited a significantly improved uptake capacity for ClO(4)(-) compared with Ppy film alone. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the uptake and release process of ClO(4)(-) in graphene-Ppy nanocomposite. In addition, the presence of graphene substrate resulted in high stability of graphene-Ppy nanocomposite during potential cycling. The present work provides a promising method for large scale water treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Ion Exchange
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Perchlorates / chemistry
  • Perchlorates / isolation & purification*
  • Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Pyrroles / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Perchlorates
  • Polymers
  • Pyrroles
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • polypyrrole
  • Graphite
  • perchlorate