Graphene oxide incorporated silica nanocomposite: facile low-cost synthesis for application in concrete and cement mortar mixtures

Abstract

Graphene oxide incorporated silica nanocomposite (GO-NS) was successfully synthesized using a simple and cost-effective sol-gel approach using sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as silicate precursor, while graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized via a modified Hummer’s method. The resulting nanocomposite was analyzed to assess its morphological, elemental, and chemical features. SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) confirmed the successful deposition of silica nanoparticles (NS) on the GO surface. Complementary analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy further validated the presence of strong interfacial covalent bonding between GO and NS. The effective integration of these components is anticipated to yield synergistic effects, enhancing the overall functionality of the nanocomposite. Owing to these promising attributes, the GO-NS nanocomposite demonstrates considerable potential as an additive in concrete formulations, with the ability to improve mechanical strength, durability, and the overall performance of cementitious materials.