Nanostructured micro/mesoporous graphene: removal performance of volatile organic compounds

In this study, we demonstrate an integrated synthesis strategy, which is conducted by the thermochemical process, consisting of pre- and post-activation by thermal treatment and KOH activation for the reduction of graphite oxide. A large number of interconnected pore networks with a micro/mesoporous range were constructed on a framework of graphene layers with a specific surface area of up to 1261 m(2) g(-1). This suggests a synergistic effect of thermally exfoliated graphene oxide (TEGO) on the removal efficiency of volatile organic compounds by generating pore texture with aromatic adsorbates such as benzene, toluene, and o-xylene (denoted as BTX) from an inert gaseous stream concentration of 100 ppm. As a proof of concept, TEGO, as well as pre- and post-activated TEGO, were used as adsorbents in a self-designed BTX gas adsorption apparatus, which exhibited a high removal efficiency of up to 98 +/- 2%. The distinctive structure of TEGO has a significant effect on removal performance, which will greatly facilitate the strategy of efficient VOC removal configurations.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the synthesis of graphene materials with interconnected pore networks and shows their high efficiency in removing volatile organic compounds. The unique structure of the graphene materials has a significant impact on the removal performance.