FTIR Spectrum Investigation of Thionine-Graphene Nanocomposite

Graphene is a material that has been heavily investigated in many researches due to its beneficial characteristics such as large surface area, low manufacturing cost, high electro conductivity and incredible mechanical strength. Applying the graphene in water-based solvents however can cause agglomeration due to its hydrophobic properties. Researchers have composited the graphene with other materials in overcoming its hydrophobicity. In this research, graphene was nanocomposited with thionine to make it disperse well in water-based solvents while preserving its intrinsic properties. The nanocomposition process involves mixing of both graphene oxide with thionine and were reduced by hydrazine hydrate while reflux heating. The produced mixture was then filtered to obtain the Thionine-Graphene nanocomposite. The obtained sample was then characterized to confirm the composition of both graphene and thionine. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy was operated to investigate the chemical bonds and hence concluding the presence of both graphene and thionine in the sample. The preservation of the intrinsic properties of graphene was also investigated through observing the absence of functionalized graphene bonds. Post-investigation reports that the chemical bonds from both of the materials, graphene and thionine were detected confirming the successfulness of the nanocomposition.