Synergistic effect of UV and <small>L</small>-ascorbic acid on the reduction of graphene oxide: Reduction kinetics and quantum chemical simulations

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A photochemical strategy for eco-friendly reduction of graphene oxide (GO) was developed by using <SMALL>L</SMALL>-ascorbic acid (L-AA) as a photosensitive reducing agent. L-AA was excited and oxidized with deprotonation by UV irradiation (254 nm) and the proton coupled electron transfer induces chemical reduction of GO. This photochemical process is quite eco-friendly and scalable, and the reduction kinetics and degree of GO were highly enhanced. To understand the improved reduction power by UV light, the redox properties of L-AA in the ground and excited states were characterized by using quantum chemical simulations. Based on the results, we clearly demonstrated the mechanism how UV irradiation considerably enhances the reducing power of L-AA for the reduction of GO.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The enhancement of reducing power of <SMALL>L</SMALL>-ascorbic acid by UV irradiation. </LI> <LI> Theoretical investigation of UV-enhanced reducing power of <SMALL>L</SMALL>-ascorbic acid. </LI> <LI> The reduction of graphene oxide by using <SMALL>L</SMALL>-ascorbic acid under UV irradiation. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>