Sodium cholate (NaC) mediated exfoliation of multi-layer graphene and its effects on phenanthrene adsorption were studied using a passive dosing technique. In the presence of NaC (100 and 8000 mg/L), adsorption of phenanthrene was decreased due to the direct competition of NaC molecules on graphene surface. With the assistance of sonication, multi-layer graphene sheets were exfoliated by NaC molecules, leading to better dispersion. The degree of dispersion depended on the graphene-NaC ratio in aqueous solution rather than critical micelle concentration of NaC, and the good dispersion occurred after reaching adsorption saturation of NaC molecules on graphene sheets. In addition, exfoliation weakened the competition between phenanthrene and NaC, as a result, enhanced the phenanthrene adsorption due to the newly exposed sites. The findings on exfoliation of graphene sheets and related adsorption properties highlight both potential application of multi-layer graphene as superior adsorbent and its possible environmental risk.

Adsorption of phenanthrene on multilayer graphene in the presence of surfactant sodium cholate

248th National Meeting (2014)

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