Synergistic Functionalization of Graphene Oxide: Electrochemical Devices and Ritter Catalysis

Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile platform with unique properties that find broad applications in electronics and catalysis. The double covalent functionalization of GO under mild conditions offers an efficient approach to fine-tune its properties. Herein, we present an approach involving the ring-opening reaction of epoxide groups of the GO by amines, followed by subsequent covalent linking of the sulfonated functionalized polymer. Characterization of the functionalized GO via various techniques confirms the successful surface functionalization with diverse functional groups. The mild condition employed preserves the structure and properties of GO, which demonstrates that GO can be tailored for specific applications, such as a platform for electrochemical devices and a solid acid catalyst for the Ritter reaction.