Intercalation of Gas Molecules in Graphene Oxide Interlayer: The Role of Water

Intercalation phenomena of gas molecules in the interlayer of graphene oxide have been investigated using CO2, CH4, H2, and N2 gases. Intercalation of gas molecules is highly affected by the affinity between the hydrophilic surface of GO and target molecules. Among tested gases, CO2 can only be intercalated. Furthermore, the swelling of interlayer changed the intercalation phenomena. Amounts of intercalated gases are significantly enhanced, and all the gases can be intercalated by retarded dynamics of intercalated water.