Graphene Oxide Nanosheet Synthesis Using a Modified Hammer Process and Toxicity Assessment (LD50)

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are an extremely complex and sophisticated type of atomically thick nanoparticles composed of one or more layers of molecules. 2D Nanomaterials can have lateral sizes that reach micrometres, and by optimizing the production method, longer ones can be produced. Among the unique characteristics of 2D nanomaterials are high contrast, effective surface area, mechanical strength, plasmonic properties, electron containment, and optical properties. This study used a newly developed sustainable modified Hammers’ process to manufacture graphene oxide nanosheets which is considered one of the distinctive two-dimensional nanomaterial substrates. Compared to earlier modified Hammers’ process, this process requires less time. The morphological and structural characteristics of GO were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The TEM results for the GO nanosheets generated for this investigation showed a single- and double-layer structure. The morphological and structural characteristics were investigated GO exhibited favourable morphological and structural features are present in GO, including a nice graphitic structure and valuable oxygen-containing functional groups such as OH, COOH, and C=O functional groups. There were clear mitigation of waste creation and the possibility of reduced time and cost requirements with this modified hummer approach. The LD50 of GO nanosheets was studied in rats through different concentrations given orally, showing a significant increase in renal function test levels (urea and creatinine), in comparison to the control group at 300 mg/kg. However, only preliminary toxicity data were provided on GO's toxicity in rats in this work; more experimental confirmation and clarification are necessary before GO is extensively employed in biomedical applications.