A Multivariate Curve Resolution evaluation of an in-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy investigation of the electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) is a potential precursor for graphene. The electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide on electrode interfaces is a low-cost and green approach. The mechanism of the reduction, as well as the final structure of the reduced form have been the focus of the present study. In this work, the reduction of graphene oxide was investigated by in-situ spectroelectrochemistry. FTIR spectroscopy showed the generation and degeneration of oxygen containing functional groups and C=C bonds. The evaluation of these results was done via Multivariate Curve Resolution - Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) to assign spectral features to various reactants. The possibility of controlling the composition and structure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is discussed. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.