Structural investigation of boron-and nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide prepared by wet mixing method

The structure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and boron-/nitrogen-doped rGO (BG/NG) have been investigated. The rGO was produced from old coconut shells charcoal powder by the heating process at 400 °C. Meanwhile, the BG and NG are prepared by wet mixing method. Boric acid and ammonia solution were used as B and N atoms source, respectively. All samples were examined through various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD spectra show a similar pattern of all samples with a wide and intense reflection at 23.6° and a weaker peak at 43°, which indicated the pure phase of rGO. It also means no significant impurities and structural changes due to the doping process. The functional groups identified by FTIR patterns consist of the C=C, C–C, C=O, and C–O bonds. The data resulting from the XPS characterizations reveal the C1s, B1s, N1s core levels consist of sp2, C=O, π–π*, C–B, BC3, B4C, C–N, pyridinic–N, and pyrrolic–N. It confirms the successful doping process of B and N into the rGO structure.