The Use of Confocal Raman Spectroscopy to Quantitatively Study the Interactions Between Immersive Water and Graphene/Graphene Oxide Surfaces

The unique mechanical, chemical, optical, and electrical properties of graphene allow for many potential applications in biomaterials. Understanding and quantifying the surface interactions between graphene/graphene oxide and aqueous liquid is essential for the design of such graphene-based nanocomposites. Graphene sheets were produced by the mechanical exfoliation of graphite. We have used depth Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRM) profiles to measure graphene wettability using a water immersive objective lens, and demonstrated how surface energy between graphene/graphene oxide and immersive aqueous liquid can be affected to simultaneously measure the depth image profiles. Contact angles were also measured to further investigate the compatibility between graphene/graphene oxide and its environment.