I am attempting to prepare GO paper using the vacuum filtration technique, I used a cellulose acetate membrane to filter the GO solution(1mg/ml) andwas able to get a brown film on the membrane, the membrane was dried it at rtp initially and then put it in the oven at 50C for 12h, however the thin GO film remained attached to the membrane rather tightly.
Lit. mentions that the film can be easily peeled off the membrane however in my case I am not able to peel it at all. Can anyone with experience in this suggest how it can peeled off?
I tried to dissolve the membrane by dipping it in acetone and the membrane did dissolved within seconds leaving behind only the thin GO film like I wanted, but the problem is the GO film got wrinkled and isnt smooth anymore. (Pic attached).
Any suggesting on removing the film while maintaining its smoothness are welcome.
P.S.- I know other membranes might give better results but unfortunately I only have a cellulose acetate membrane and need to do it using this.
What are you using as solvent? Just water?
This is just a guess as I have not made GO paper (my experience is in nanocomposites with GO), but have you tried changing the pH to protonate the oxide groups? It might reduce the attachment between the cellulose acetate and the GO.
Yup, just water. Actually the pH is on the acidic side so the oxide groups should already be protonated. Thanx for the suggestion anyway.
P.S.- If you dont mind me asking have you worked with any GO/cellulose composites for improve mechanical properties? Tried looking at you RG page but didnt find much....
Yes, unfortunately my Master Thesis did not get published. I was working mainly on GO/silicone composites for electrical properties, cellulose I really don't know much about, sorry. Good luck anyway!
After Filteration let it air dry for a day or vacuum oven dry nt more than 35C overnight the GO film separates itself from then filter paper due to difference in the shrinking
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