After I functionalized with ozone the Au coated glass I deposited GO using spin coating. I want to reuse my substrates, so what is the proper way to eliminate the GO from the substrate?
Hello there, my researcher friend Vlad Cucuiet!
I'm here to assist you Vlad Cucuiet with your graphene oxide (GO) dilemma. It's great to see your dedication to reusing your substrates. Let's talk about the proper way to remove GO from your gold-coated glass.
My first paper in this field may be of interest to you:
Preprint Hierarchical NiMn Double Layered/Graphene with Excellent Ene...
Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. **Safety First:** Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles.
2. **Chemical Solvent:** The most common method for removing GO is to use a chemical solvent. You can try using a strong acid like concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) or a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid (H2SO4/HNO3). These acids will oxidize and dissolve the GO layer.
- **Procedure:** Place your GO-coated substrate in a glass container. Add the acid slowly while stirring gently. Be cautious as this process can generate heat and fumes. Allow the substrate to soak in the acid for a specific time (typically 1-2 hours), but this may vary depending on your specific setup. Afterward, rinse the substrate thoroughly with deionized water multiple times to remove any remaining acid.
3. **Ultrasonication:** You can enhance the removal process by using ultrasonication. This involves placing the substrate in an ultrasonic bath filled with a solvent (like water) and subjecting it to high-frequency sound waves. This helps dislodge and remove the GO layer more effectively.
- **Procedure:** After the acid treatment, transfer the substrate to an ultrasonication bath filled with deionized water. Run the ultrasonic bath for about 15-30 minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.
4. **Rinse and Dry:** After the removal process, rinse the substrate again with copious amounts of deionized water to remove any residual acids or debris. Then, gently blow-dry the substrate using nitrogen or filtered air. Avoid using regular compressed air, as it might introduce contaminants.
5. **Verification:** Finally, you may want to verify that the GO has been removed. You can use characterization techniques like optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the absence of GO on your substrate.
Remember, safety is paramount when working with strong acids, so take all necessary precautions. The specific conditions and times for the acid treatment may need to be optimized based on your experiment, so be prepared to adjust accordingly.
I hope this helps you reclaim your substrates for future experiments. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your research!
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