SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION OF 3D GRAPHENE-BASED MACROASSEMBLIES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Three-dimensional graphene-based macroassemblies (3D GMAs) have emerged as a new class of materials with attractive features for energy and environmental applications. Heteroatom doping is an effective way to improve the properties and photocatalytic performance of 3D GMAs. This doctoral study aimed at bringing together the latest advances in materials science to prepare novel 3D GMAs with heteroatom doping and to seek their practical environmental remediation applications. Specifically, the following fundamental science-driven studies were carried out in a systematic manner: (i) functional design of visible-light absorbing 3D graphene-based photocatalysts, doped with heteroatoms (nitrogen (N), boron (B) and sulfur (S)) in different amounts and different molecular configurations; (ii) evaluation of the photocatalytic performance of as-synthesized photocatalysts using a model recalcitrant organic contaminant under visible light irradiation. Additionally, insights into the underlying mechanism behind the photocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants by 3D GMAs are provided.