Graphene oxide-based hydrogels are a class of materials that combine the unique properties of graphene oxide (GO) with the three-dimensional network structure of hydrogels. Because of the prominent potential of GO-based hydrogels, they have attracted much attention in different areas of various applications, which include energy storage, biomedical, environmental, agriculture, and many more. In the given article, I will emphasize, one by one, the different fabrication methods, properties, and its application in various fields.
The GO-based hydrogel is synthesized by different methods, which include:
- Chemical Cross-linking: In this method, GO sheets are cross-linked with chemical agents like glutaraldehyde and others, forming a 3D network-like structure.
- Physical Cross-linking: It uses physical interactions such as H-bonding, Metal-ligand interaction, and Van der Waals forces to form a network structure.
- Freeze-Thawing Cycle: In this type of method, freezing and thawing a mixture of GO and polymer creates a hydrogel network; this method requires optimization of freezing/thawing cycles.
Properties of GO-based Hydrogels
- Graphene-oxide-based hydrogels are found to be more mechanically strong than pristine hydrogels, with good strength and flexibility due to the reinforcing effect of GO sheets, which creates a network-like structure.
- Due to the larger surface area of GO, it provides opportunities for various functionalization and applications.
- GO-based hydrogels can be utilized as biocompatible and suitable for biomedical applications.
- Due to the excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, GO-based hydrogels are potentially used in the field of energy storage devices.
Applications of GO-based Hydrogel
Because of the unique properties of the hydrogels, GO-based hydrogels are also known to be excellent candidates in different fields:
- Due to the biocompatible and non-toxic behavior of GO-based hydrogels, they show potential behavior in drug delivery, wound-healing, and tissue engineering, etc.
- Energy storage devices benefit from the excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
- GO-based hydrogels are also used as catalysts for various reactions to increase the rate of reaction.
In summary, Graphene oxide-based hydrogel offers a versatile platform for a wide range of applications, and ongoing research is exploring new ways to further tailor their properties and expand their potential uses. Its application has been tested in most organ systems with promising results already achieved. Promising candidates have been researched and synthesized by possible methods, which are further used in drug delivery, biosensors, etc. The Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Science and Technology, Tathawade campus, Pune offers B.Tech. in "Computer Science" and "Artificial Intelligence and Data Science," having chemistry subject with the goal of teaching students with all the recent advanced research in the field of chemistry.
Author
Dr. Swati Sharma
Assistant Professor
Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Science and Technology, Tathawade,
Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune