What Are the Applications of Reduced Graphene Oxide?

Reduced graphene oxide rGo is an attention-seeking material in the scientific community for its potential applications from the Graphene Series. As we know, pristine graphene is expensive and difficult to produce in large quantities.

Meanwhile, rGO is scalable due to its manufacture from inexpensive materials like graphene, a cost-effective option. This blog unlocks the application of technological breakthroughs and advanced materials. So, before diving into the application of reduced graphene oxide. Let’s understand rGo and its synthesis.

What is reduced Graphene Oxide? An Introduction

rGO has a transformative changing phase, and is increasing its immense electrical conductivity. Additionally, it also has mechanical, chemical, and physical attributes, resulting in remarkable improvements for the best positioning in material research.

With its improved conductivity, stability, and strength, rGO has the power to impact many fields, from biomedical to material composites. So, rGO has potential abilities that ensure its transformative advancements in science and technology.

Reduced Graphene Oxide - How Is It Created?

rGO is a nanomaterial that is synthesized from graphene oxide through a process where experts remove oxygen-containing groups. They used two common methods that are listed below:

 
• Chemical reduction
 
• Thermal reduction

In the chemical reduction, experts use agents such as ascorbic acid and hydrazine. Alternatively, the thermal reduction involves heating GO under inert conditions. Both processes restore some of the real graphite attributes, but not all of them. However, rGO is in high demand in different industries for its stunning properties.

Read Also: What is Graphene Oxide Used for?

Reduced Graphene Oxide Applications

rGo is a form of graphene oxide that has been chemically reduced, leading to unique properties. The cost-effective and scalable synthesis process of rGO makes it valuable for the lab experts. Let’s discuss the top applications of Reduced Graphene Oxide across the industries.

Useful in Flexible Electronics & Conductive Films

Over time, rGo has gained a special place in electronics with its unique characteristics that have enabled the development of devices and systems. Additionally, the exceptional mechanical flexibility of rGo makes it perfect for electronics. Therefore, scientists use rGO as a conductive ink or thin film for the manufacturing of bendable electronics, flexible displays, light components, and wearable devices.

Nevertheless, graphene-based transparent conductive films have arisen as a stunning alternative to Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) in different storage devices. These conductive films are used in solar cells, touchscreens, and organic light-emitting diodes. Despite this, the excellent transparency, mechanical flexibility, and electrical conductivity make it an excellent candidate for transparent electronics.

rGO in Composite Materials

The addition of rGo to polymers, ceramics, and metal enhanced their mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical properties. The graphene-enhanced composites are lightweight and high-performance materials; therefore, they are most in demand in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.

 
• Polymer Composites: The polymers infused with rGO improve the electrical conductivity and tensile strength. Scientists and researchers use them in lightweight structural components and electromagnetic shielding materials.
 
• Metal Matrix Composites: When experts add rGO matrices to metal, it enhances the mechanical properties, including hardness and wear resistance, which makes it perfect for automotive & aerospace fields.
 
• Ceramic Composites: The ceramic matrices infused with rGO maximize their thermal conductivity and fracture toughness, which is beneficial for heat sinks and thermal barrier coatings.

Use of rGO in the Biomedical Industry

rGO has become the attention-grabbing for the scientific community and biomedical industry because of its exceptional properties. This nanomaterial from the graphene series is biocompatible and has a large surface area for drug delivery. rGO-based nanomaterials have been employed as carriers for controlled drug delivery systems.

Moreover, rGO can be functionalized with targeting ligands to increase the specific drug delivery to cancer cells. It has shown promise in cancer therapy due to its unique qualities. rGO acts as a platform for targeted drug delivery and ensures the treatment of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

rGo Contribution in Energy Storage

rGO-based electrodes work extremely well in supercapacitors because they can store a lot of charge, lasting for many cycles, as well as charge and discharge very quickly. Moreover, the large surface area of rGO allows ions to move and spread easily, which helps the device store the energy more efficiently.

Similarly, the incorporation of rGO into lithium-ion batteries has shown improvement in cycling stability, rate capability, and energy density. Besides, it may be used as a conductive additive and binder for the lithium ion to boost the performance of batteries. It also provides a catalyst support in fuel cells for this large surface and high electrical conductivity.

Beneficial in Concrete & Construction

rGO enhances the corrosion resistance and enables innovative functionalities like self-sensing and de-icing in concrete. Apart from that, rGO helps to densify the microstructure, and the less use of cement contributes to sustainability. The large surface area of rGO strengthens the bond between the cement and aggregates, leading to strong and crack-resistant concrete.

Ending of Discussion

So, the conclusion is that reduced graphene oxide is used across the industries due to its best qualities. The incredible properties of rGo that make it accurate for industries include a large surface area, high conductivity, and mechanical strength. From flexible electronics, energy storage, concrete, and the biomedical field, these materials have so many uses.

Thus, whether you need rGO for research or industrial purposes, always choose the best and authentic Graphene Oxide Suppliers. ACS Material is one of the leading brands that offers an incredible quality of chemicals and equipment. So, follow us on X(Twitter) or Facebook to get the latest updates and news.

FAQ

Q. What are the future applications of rGO?

A. The emergence of reduced graphene oxide will be useful in the future in multiple industries like energy sensors, flexible electronics, smart sensors, and high-performance concrete for stronger and strengthening structures.

Q. What is the difference between graphene and rGO?

A. rGO is produced from graphene oxide through thermal or chemical reduction methods to remove some oxygen-containing functional groups that increase its conductivity. At the same time, GO has high oxygen-containing functional groups, like epoxy and hydroxyl. Go is semi-conducting and has lower mechanical strength, while rGO has higher mechanical strength.

Q. What is the role of rGo in concrete?

A. The incorporation of graphene may improve the mechanical and thermal strength that ensures the durability of the concrete structure. The longevity of the concrete helps to reduce the maintenance costs.

Q. What are the benefits of rGO?

A. rGO has higher thermal and electrical conductivity than the GO. Commonly, the properties of the rGO are different with various reduction processes. It also has a large specific surface area, good stability, and customizable properties as well.

Q. Which Industries have the highest demand for rGO in the market?

A. Industries with the highest demand for rGO are coatings, energy storage, and electronics. These sectors need rGO for its lightweight, high-performance, and efficient materials.