NU researchers develop eco-friendly bromographene production method

DIMAPUR — Nagaland University (NU) researchers have claimed that they have achieved a ‘scientific triumph’ by developing an environmentally friendly method for producing bromographene, a modified form of graphene.

According to a press release, this new approach is not only faster and safer than traditional methods but also showcases the potential for eco-friendly chemical processes in industrial applications.

Graphene, a two-dimensional wonder material, gained global fame in 2010 when Sir Andre Geim and Sir Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester were awarded the Nobel Prize for its discovery.

It is celebrated for its potential to transform industries such as electronics, drug delivery, touch screens, paints, energy storage, and water purification. However, its practical use is often hindered by its poor solubility in common solvents. This limitation is overcome by bromographene.

Traditionally, it said, synthesising bromographene has been challenging, poses significant safety risks and is time-consuming and environmentally unfriendly.

The research team, led by Dipak Sinha from the department of Chemistry, Dinesh Rangappa from the department of Applied Sciences (Nanotechnology) at Visvesvaraya Technological University, and Ph.D. student Suraj Kumar, claims to have developed a new method for preparing bromographene.

“Their work has earned them a German utility model IPR,” it mentioned, adding that their method uses a safer brominating agent called tetrabutylammonium tribromide to convert reduced graphene oxide into bromographene.

The process, apparently, is completed in just one hour, the fastest time reported so far, and it avoids the need for harsh conditions, making it much safer and more environmentally friendly.

The new approach not only speeds up the production process but also achieves one of the highest reported bromine contents, making it useful for further chemical modifications. It is being stated that this can lead to new advancements in electronics, composites, and other high-tech materials.