Novel DOPO-Modified Graphene: Synthesis and Characterization

Graphene, as a new nanomaterial with excellent mechanical properties, has raised great interest among researchers. In this work, 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO), has been covalently grafted onto the surface of graphene through two different methods to get a new modified graphene (G-DOPO) which owns great mechanical property and flame retardancy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that DOPO covalently bonded to the surface of graphene. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the microstructure of G-DOPO. The thermal stability of G-DOPO was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The G-DOPO showed a higher thermal stability than graphite oxide (GO), and this material could be utilized as an excellent potential flame retardant.