Graphene Oxide as a Substrate for Biosensors: Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) is an oxidized nanosheets of graphite with a 2D planar structure. GO could be readily complexed with bio-entities as it possesses many oxygen-containing functionalities on its surface. The preparation process is fast, easy, and cost-effective. It was prepared using modified Hummers’ method in acidic solution as a primary solvent and potassium permanganate as an oxidizing agent. Afterwards, it was successfully characterized by FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy, as well as XRD and Raman spectroscopy, and finally, SEM analysis. It was observed that the formed GO is mainly composed of carbon and oxygen elements rich in oxygen functional groups. Furthermore, the existence of (001) plane in XRD interprets the complete oxidation of graphite with d-spacing 9 Å. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy displayed the sp3 carbon hybridization, besides, the ID/IG ratio is found to be 0.84, which confirms the disorder between graphene oxide layers. The SEM images also pointed out that graphene oxide sheets were regularly stacked together as flake-like structures. Accordingly, the richness of oxygen-containing functionalities was confirmed. Hence, it is appropriate to be used as a base transducer for biosensing applications.