Preparation and Characterization of Expanded Graphite with ZnO Composites

The composites of expanded ghaphite with ZnO (EG/ZnO) have been prepared in the method of impregnation, and their degradation performance for crude oil have been investigated by the means of UV-Vis and FT-IR. The morphology and crystal structure of the EG/ZnO composites have been characterized by the means of SEM and XRD. The results are shown as follows: the EG/ZnO composites keep the laminated and microporous network structure of EG. ZnO particles in the composites are hexagonal crystal system, and they widely distribute in the cavities and the network pores of EG. In the UV-Vis spectra, there is a blue shift about 13 nm, which is from 255 nm to 242 nm at the biggest absorption peak. That indicates the component of the crude oil has already changed. Meanwhile, the results of FT-IR spectra show that a degradation reaction occurs obviously in the crude oil after irradiated by ultraviolet ray, and the degradation products possibly include alkone, aldehyde, alcohol, and so on. Thus, it can be inferred that the prepared EG/ZnO composites would be a new kind of functional material integrated strong adsorption property and degradation property into itself.