Application of positively-charged ethylenediamine-functionalized graphene for the sorption of anionic organic contaminants from water

Abstract Graphene materials represent a new carbonaceous sorbent for the removal of organic micropollutants from water, and most applications of graphene utilize an oxidized, negatively-charged surface to improve dispersibility. However, classes of anionic micropollutants may undergo less sorption than cationic or neutral compounds on graphene oxide due to electrostatic repulsion forces. This work seeks to improve the sorptive capability of graphene for anionic micropollutants through amending surfaces with positive charges. Graphene oxide was functionalized with ethylenediamine (ED-G) through an acyl chlorination and amidation process that allows a net positive surface charge at pH