Hydrophobic behaviour of reduced graphene oxide thin film fabricated via electrostatic spray deposition

Graphene-based materials such as graphene oxide (GO) and chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin films have been fabricated using electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), followed by thermal annealing under Ar/H-2 atmosphere. The thickness and surface morphology of thin films of GO and rGO on silicon substrates were controlled by varying deposition time and content of GO/rGO in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution. Here, we present a comparative analysis between GO and rGO thin films. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements of these thin films were similar to 88 degrees for the GO films and >127 degrees for the rGO films. We discuss how their hydrophobic behaviour is influenced by removal of oxygen-containing functional groups during the reduction process.

Automated summary

Graphene-based materials, such as graphene oxide (GO) and chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin films, were fabricated using electrostatic spray deposition and then compared in terms of water contact angle measurements. The results show that the rGO films exhibited higher hydrophobicity compared to the GO films, indicating the removal of oxygen-containing functional groups during the reduction process enhanced their water-repellent properties.