Abstract

This study investigates how different types of graphite used as raw material impact graphene oxide's morphology and photocatalytic properties (GO). The research focuses on four graphite samples with distinct mesh sizes synthesized into GO using a modified Hummers method. The GO materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Key findings indicate that the source of graphite significantly influences the degree of oxidation, layer number, and interlayer spacing in the resulting GO. GO derived from graphite with a Taylor 28 mesh size exhibited an interlayer spacing of 8.47 & Aring;, a higher content of carbonyl groups (C=O), and the highest hydrogen production rate of 1570 mu mol/g over 4 h under UV irradiation. These results underscore the importance of selecting the appropriate graphite precursor to optimize GO's properties for photocatalytic applications, providing significant insights into enhancing hydrogen production efficiency through sustainable energy technologies.