Microfluidics-generated graphene oxide microspheres and their application to removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate from polluted water

Monodisperse graphene oxide (GO) microspheres were synthesized via microfluidics technology as a novel adsorbent for rapid (in 2 min) and high efficiency (98%) removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from water. This novel material is a potential solution for treatment of bioaccumulative organic polluted water. To achieve improved performance, Mg2+ was introduced into GO, and the metal composite exhibited significantly improved PFOS removal efficiency owing to bridging and interaction between Mg2+ and the PFOS molecules, which was supported by density functional theory and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This facile strategy may be extended to the synthesis of other spheres with unique structural features for application in water treatment.