ARC Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation publications

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Open Access
A novel fabrication approach for multifunctional graphene-based thin film nano-composite membranes with enhanced desalination and antibacterial characteristics
(Springer Nature, 2017) Hegab, H.; Elmekawy, A.; Barclay, T.; Michelmore, A.; Zou, L.; Losic, D.; Saint, C.; Ginic-Markovic, M.
A practical fabrication technique is presented to tackle the trade-off between the water flux and salt rejection of thin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes through controlled creation of a thinner active selective polyamide (PA) layer. The new thin film nano-composite (TFNC) RO membranes were synthesized with multifunctional poly tannic acid-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets (pTA-f-GO) embedded in its PA thin active layer, which is produced through interfacial polymerization. The incorporation of pTA-f-GOL into the fabricated TFNC membranes resulted in a thinner PA layer with lower roughness and higher hydrophilicity compared to pristine membrane. These properties enhanced both the membrane water flux (improved by 40%) and salt rejection (increased by 8%) of the TFNC membrane. Furthermore, the incorporation of biocidal pTA-f-GO nanosheets into the PA active layer contributed to improving the antibacterial properties by 80%, compared to pristine membrane. The fabrication of the pTA-f-GO nanosheets embedded in the PA layer presented in this study is a very practical, scalable and generic process that can potentially be applied in different types of separation membranes resulting in less energy consumption, increased cost-efficiency and improved performance.
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Recent advances in sensing applications of graphene assemblies and their composites
(Wiley, 2017) Tung, T.; Nine, M.; Krebsz, M.; Pasinszki, T.; Coghlan, C.; Tran, D.; Losic, D.
Development of next-generation sensor devices is gaining tremendous attention in both academia and industry because of their broad applications in manufacturing processes, food and environment control, medicine, disease diagnostics, security and defense, aerospace, and so forth. Current challenges include the development of low-cost, ultrahigh, and user-friendly sensors, which have high selectivity, fast response and recovery times, and small dimensions. The critical demands of these new sensors are typically associated with advanced nanoscale sensing materials. Among them, graphene and its derivatives have demonstrated the ideal properties to overcome these challenges and have merged as one of the most popular sensing platforms for diverse applications. A broad range of graphene assemblies with different architectures, morphologies, and scales (from nano-, micro-, to macrosize) have been explored in recent years for designing new high-performing sensing devices. Herein, this study presents and discusses recent advances in synthesis strategies of assembled graphene-based superstructures of 1D, 2D, and 3D macroscopic shapes in the forms of fibers, thin films, and foams/aerogels. The fabricated state-of-the-art applications of these materials in gas and vapor, biomedical, piezoresistive strain and pressure, heavy metal ion, and temperature sensors are also systematically reviewed and discussed, and their sensing performance is compared.
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From graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide: impact on the physiochemical and mechanical properties of graphene-cement composites
(American Chemical Society, 2017) Gholampour, A.; Valizadeh Kiamahalleh, M.; Tran, D.; Ozbakkaloglu, T.; Losic, D.
Graphene materials have been extensively explored and successfully used to improve performances of cement composites. These formulations were mainly optimized based on different dosages of graphene additives, but with lack of understanding of how other parameters such as surface chemistry, size, charge, and defects of graphene structures could impact the physiochemical and mechanical properties of the final material. This paper presents the first experimental study to evaluate the influence of oxygen functional groups of graphene and defectiveness of graphene structures on the axial tension and compression properties of graphene-cement mortar composites. A series of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) samples with different levels of oxygen groups (high, mild, and low) were prepared by the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using different concentrations of hydrazine (wt %, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%) and different reduction times (5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min) and were added to cement mortar composites at an optimal dosage of 0.1%. A series of characterization methods including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to determine the distribution and mixing of the prepared rGO in the cement matrix and were correlated with the observed mechanical properties of rGO-cement mortar composites. The measurement of the axial tension and compression properties revealed that the oxygen level of rGO additives has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of cement composites. An addition of 0.1% rGO prepared by 15 min reduction and 0.2% (wt %) hydrazine with mild level of oxygen groups resulted in a maximum enhancement of 45.0 and 83.7%, respectively, in the 28-day tensile and compressive strengths in comparison with the plain cement mortar and were higher compared to the composite prepared with GO (37.5 and 77.7%, respectively). These results indicate that there is a strong influence of the level of oxygen groups and crystallinity of graphene structures on the physiochemical and mechanical properties. The influence of these two parameters are interconnected and their careful balancing is required to provide an optimum level of oxygen groups on rGO sheets to ensure that there is sufficient bonding between the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) components in the cement matrix and minimum level of defects and higher crystallinity of graphene structures, which will improve the mechanical properties of the composite. Finding the optimized balance between these two parameters is required to formulate graphene cement composites with the highest performance.
Open Access
Water soluble fluorescent carbon nanodots from biosource for cells imaging
(Hindawi, 2017) Tripathi, K.; Tran, T.; Tung, T.; Losic, D.; Kim, T.
Carbon nanodots (CNDs) derived from a green precursor, kidney beans, was synthesized with high yield via a facile pyrolysis technique. The CND material was easily modified through simple oxidative treatment with nitric acid, leading to a high density “self-passivated” water soluble form (wsCNDs). The synthesized wsCNDs have been extensively characterized by using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and were crystalline in nature. The highly carboxylated wsCNDs possessed tunable-photoluminescence emission behavior throughout the visible region of the spectrum, demonstrating their application for multicolor cellular imaging of HeLa cells. The tunable-photoluminescence properties of “self-passivated” wsCNDs make them a promising candidate as a probe in biological cell-imaging applications.
Open Access
Carbon nanomaterial based biosensors for non-invasive detection of cancer and disease biomarkers for clinical diagnosis
(MDPI AG, 2017) Pasinszki, T.; Krebsz, M.; Tung, T.; Losic, D.
The early diagnosis of diseases, e.g., Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various types of cancer, and monitoring the response of patients to the therapy plays a critical role in clinical treatment; therefore, there is an intensive research for the determination of many clinical analytes. In order to achieve point-of-care sensing in clinical practice, sensitive, selective, cost-effective, simple, reliable, and rapid analytical methods are required. Biosensors have become essential tools in biomarker sensing, in which electrode material and architecture play critical roles in achieving sensitive and stable detection. Carbon nanomaterials in the form of particle/dots, tube/wires, and sheets have recently become indispensable elements of biosensor platforms due to their excellent mechanical, electronic, and optical properties. This review summarizes developments in this lucrative field by presenting major biosensor types and variability of sensor platforms in biomedical applications.
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Development of flexible supercapacitors using an inexpensive graphene/PEDOT/MnO₂ sponge composite
(Elsevier, 2017) Moussa, M.; Shi, G.; Wu, H.; Zhao, Z.; Voelcker, N.; Losic, D.; Ma, J.
Abstract not available
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Facile adhesion-tuning of superhydrophobic surfaces between “lotus” and “petal” effect and their influence on icing and deicing properties
(American Chemical Society, 2017) Nine, M.; Tung, T.; Alotaibi, F.; Tran, D.; Losic, D.
Adhesion behavior of superhydrophobic (SH) surfaces is an active research field related to various engineering applications in controlled microdroplet transportation, self-cleaning, deicing, biochemical separation, tissue engineering, and water harvesting. Herein, we report a facile approach to control droplet adhesion, bouncing and rolling on properties of SH surfaces by tuning their air-gap and roughness-height by altering the concentrations of poly dimethyl-siloxane (PDMS). The optimal use of PDMS (4-16 wt %) in a dual-scale (nano- and microparticles) composite enables control of the specific surface area (SSA), pore volume, and roughness of matrices that result in a well-controlled adhesion between water droplets and SH surfaces. The sliding angles of these surfaces were tuned to be varied between 2 ± 1 and 87 ± 2°, which are attributed to the transformation of the contact type between droplet and surface from "point contact" to "area contact". We further explored the effectiveness of these low and high adhesive SH surfaces in icing and deicing actions, which provides a new insight into design highly efficient and low-cost ice-release surface for cold temperature applications. Low adhesion (lotus effect) surface with higher pore-volume exhibited relatively excellent ice-release properties with significant icing delay ability principally attributed to the large air gap in the coating matrix than SH matrix with high adhesion (petal effect).
Open Access
Revealing the dependence of the physiochemical and mechanical properties of cement composites on graphene oxide concentration
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2017) Gholampour, A.; Kiamahalleh, M.V.; Tran, D.N.; Ozbakkaloglu, T.; Losic, D.
This paper presents a comprehensive study to evaluate the influence of graphene oxide (GO) concentration on the physiochemical and mechanical properties of cement mortar composites. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterizations were performed to understand the correlation between physicochemical and observed axial tension and compression properties of GO–cement mortar composites. The results show considerable concentration dependence, with the optimum concentration of 0.1% GO that increases the tensile and compressive strength of the composite by 37.5% and 77.7%, respectively. These results are explained by the stronger bonding of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) components in the cement matrix in the presence of GO sheets and the dependence of their dispersions and possible aggregation.
Open Access
Graphene oxide-based lamella network for enhanced sound absorption
(Wiley, 2017) Nine, M.J.; Ayub, M.; Zander, A.C.; Tran, D.; Cazzolato, B.S.; Losic, D.
Noise is an environmental pollutant with recognized impacts on the psychological and physiological health of humans. Many porous materials are often limited by low sound absorption over a broad frequency range, delicacy, excessive weight and thickness, poor moisture insulation, high temperature instability, and lack of readiness for high volume commercialization. Herein, an efficient and robust lamella-structure is reported as an acoustic absorber based on self-assembled interconnected graphene oxide (GO) sheets supported by a grill-shaped melamine skeleton. The fabricated lamella structure exhibits ≈60.3% enhancement over a broad absorption band between 128 and 4000 Hz (≈100% at lower frequencies) compared to the melamine foam. The enhanced acoustic absorption is identified to be structure dependent regardless of the density. The sound dissipation in the open-celled structure is due to the viscous and thermal losses, whereas it is predominantly tortuosity in wave propagation and enhanced surface area for the GO-based lamella. In addition to the enhanced acoustic absorption and mechanical robustness, the lamella provides superior structural functionality over many conventional sound absorbers including, moisture/mist insulation and fire retardancy. The fabrication of this new sound absorber is inexpensive, scalable and can be adapted for extensive applications in commercial, residential, and industrial building structures.
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Applications of graphene in microbial fuel cells: the gap between promise and reality
(Elsevier, 2017) ElMekawy, A.; Hegab, H.M.; Losic, D.; Saint, C.P.; Pant, D.
Since the initial emergence of two-dimensional graphene (Gr) nano-material, there has been a great interest in its potential applications due to its excellent conductivity, enormous surface area and good mechanical strength. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are one of these important promising applications. The limited productivity of MFCs compared to other fuel cell technologies along with the high cost of their components are the two major obstacles to commercialization. Gr is proposed to help overcome such challenges by integrating with biocatalysts for the construction of Gr based MFCs, either as an anode to increase the electron transfer efficiency, or as a cathode to effectively catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This integration is relevant only if the favorable environment for bacterial biofilm adherence to Gr modified surfaces is available. Unfortunately, there is insufficient understanding of the interaction mechanism of bacterial cells with such modified surfaces. Despite this challenge, along with the complexity of the Gr modified electrode fabrication, Gr-based electrodes remain a promising option for developing MFCs to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. As a reflection on these facts, the aim of this review is to provide critical overview and to evaluate the recent advances for the applications of Gr in MFCs, focusing on electrode fabrication and power generation. Within that context, the concerns about microbial compatibility of Gr will be addressed.
Open Access
A unique 3D nitrogen-doped carbon composite as high-performance oxygen reduction catalyst
(MDPI AG, 2017) Karunagaran, R.; Tung, T.; Shearer, C.; Tran, D.; Coghlan, C.; Doonan, C.; Losic, D.
The synthesis and properties of an oxygen reduction catalyst based on a unique 3-dimensional (3D) nitrogen doped (N-doped) carbon composite are described. The composite material is synthesised via a two-step hydrothermal and pyrolysis method using bio-source low-cost materials of galactose and melamine. Firstly, the use of iron salts and galactose to hydrothermally produceiron oxide (Fe₂O₃) magnetic nanoparticle clusters embedded carbon spheres. Secondly, magnetic nanoparticles diffused out of the carbon sphere when pyrolysed in the presence of melamine as nitrogen precursor. Interestingly, many of these nanoparticles, as catalyst-grown carbon nanotubes (CNTs), resulted in the formation of N-doped CNTs and N-doped carbon spheres under the decomposition of carbon and a nitrogen environment. The composite material consists of integrated N-doped carbon microspheres and CNTs show high ORR activity through a predominantly four-electron pathway.
Open Access
Graphene oxide a new carrier for slow release of plant micronutrients
(American Chemical Society, 2017) Kabiri, S.; Degryse, F.; Tran, D.; da Silva, R.; McLaughlin, M.; Losic, D.
The environmental problems and low efficiency associated with conventional fertilizers provides an impetus to develop advanced fertilizers with slower release and better performances. Here we report of development of a new carrier platform based on graphene oxide (GO) sheets that can provide a high loading of plant micronutrients with controllable slow release. To prove this concept two micronutrients zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were used to load on GO sheets and hence formulate GO-based micronutrients fertilizer. The chemical composition and successful loading of both nutrients on GO sheets were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared Zn-graphene oxide (Zn-GO) and Cu-graphene oxide (Cu-GO) fertilizers showed a biphasic dissolution behaviour compared to commercial zinc sulphate and copper sulphate fertilizer granules, displaying desirable fast- and slow-release micronutrient release. A visualization method and chemical analysis were used to assess the release and diffusion of Cu and Zn in soil from GO-based fertilizers compared with commercial soluble fertilizers to demonstrate the advantages of GO carriers and show their capability to be used as generic platform for macro- and micro-nutrients delivery. A pot trial demonstrated that Zn and Cu uptake by wheat was higher when using GO-based fertilizers compared to standard zinc or copper salts. This is a first report on the agronomic performance of GO-based slow-release fertilizer.
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Graphene-borate as an efficient fire retardant for cellulosic materials with multiple and synergetic modes of action
(American Chemical Society, 2017) Nine, M.; Tran, D.; Tung, T.; Kabiri, S.; Losic, D.
To address high fire risks of flamable cellulosic materials, that can trigger easy combustion, flame propagation, and release of toxic gases, we report a new fire-retardant approach using synergetic actions combining unique properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and hydrated-sodium metaborates (SMB). The single-step treatment of cellulosic materials by a composite suspension of rGO/SMB was developed to create a barrier layer on sawdust surface providing highly effective fire retardant protection with multiple modes of action. These performances are designed considering synergy between properties of hydrated-SMB crystals working as chemical heat-sink to slow down the thermal degradation of the cellulosic particles and gas impermeable rGO layers that prevents access of oxygen and the release of toxic volatiles. The rGO outer layer also creates a thermal and physical barrier by donating carbon between the flame and unburnt wood particles. The fire-retardant performance of developed graphene-borate composite and mechanism of fire protection are demonstrated by testing of different forms of cellulosic materials such as pine sawdust, particle-board, and fiber-based structures. Results revealed their outstanding self-extinguishing behavior with significant resistance to release of toxic and flammable volatiles suggesting rGO/SMB to be suitable alternative to the conventional toxic halogenated flame-retardant materials.
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Study of iron oxide nanoparticle phases in graphene aerogels for oxygen reduction reaction
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2017) Karunagaran, R.; Coghlan, C.; Tung, T.; Kabiri, S.; Tran, D.; Doonan, C.; Losic, D.
Iron oxide nanoparticles have been extensively used for energy production in fuel cells; however, the different phases of iron oxide have not been adequately investigated for their effect on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The low temperature synthesis of four kinds of iron oxide nanoparticles with different phases was incorporated inside 3D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels and their electrochemical, catalytic and electron transfer properties were determined for ORR. The results showed that, at low potentials (0.20 V), rGO composites containing magnetite, maghemite and goethite catalyse ORR via four-electron transfer kinetics while hematite facilitated two-electron transfer kinetics. At higher potentials (0.70 V), all four catalysts proceeded via a two-electron pathway.
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Interlayer growth of borates for highly adhesive graphene coatings with enhanced abrasion resistance, fire-retardant and antibacterial ability
(Elsevier, 2017) Nine, M.; Tran, D.; ElMekawy, A.; Losic, D.
Surface coatings to protect materials from mechanical abrasion, fire and microbial colonization are associated with billion dollars of expenses across broad range of industrial, domestic and defence applications. Currently used protective coatings based on heavy metals, halogenated fire-retardation, and biocide agents have considerable environmental concerns due their toxicity, and lack of effectiveness with limited functionality. In this paper, we present engineering of new multifunctional coating based on graphene composites with the ability to provide “3-in-1” protective properties. These multiple functionalities were created with specially designed graphene composite by growing sodium metaborate (NaBO2·xH2O) crystals into graphene oxide (GO) layer during their reduction, which works synergistically as a surface binder, a flame-retardant additive, and an antibacterial agent. The testing of protective coating performances revealed an outstanding mechanical robustness (ASTM-class 4B), and the reduction of bacterial colonization up to ∼99.92%. The high flame retardant performance of the coated wood, and paper showed non-flammability, strong intumescent effect, and self-extinguishing ability during fire. These protective coatings based on graphene composites due the simplicity of their formulations, scalability, and outstanding performance offer a great potential for their industrial, structural, and environmental applications.
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Silver Nanowires with Pristine Graphene Oxidation Barriers for Stable and High Performance Transparent Conductive Films
(American Chemical Society, 2018) Alotaibi, F.; Tung, T.T.; Nine, M.J.; Coghlan, C.J.; Losic, D.
One-dimensional (1D) silver nanowires (AgNWs) have emerged as a leading candidate for the development of next-generation optoelectronic and wearable electronic devices. However, a key limitation of AgNW electrodes is that they are readily oxidized, resulting in a shift in properties leading to devices becoming erratic over time. To address this problem, we report a facile method to improve both the stability and performance of AgNW films. The AgNWs were combined with pristine graphene (pG) using an optimal (30/70 wt %) with the goals to prove that the pG sheets can provide a barrier shielding to protect against AgNW oxidation and have the additional benefit of improving the connections between wires and stability of the films. The fabrication of these films was demonstrated on wide range of substrates including glass, plastic, textile, and paper. A surface resistance of 18.23 Ω/sq and an optical transparency of 89% were obtained on the glass substrates, 50 Ω/sq and 88% transparency for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and 0.35 Ω/sq resistance on the textile substrate. Atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) treatment was further used to enhance the performance of the film (i.e., glass), resulting in a significant reduction of 30.6% in sheet resistance (15.20 Ω/sq) and an improvement of transparency to 91%. The stability of AgNW/pG film under environmental conditions and higher temperatures was significantly improved, showing only a minor increase in the sheet resistance after 30 days and at temperature increases up to 300 °C when compared with control (AgNW film) which shows a sharp increase after 8−10 days and is thermally stable until 150 °C as a result of Ag oxidation.
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Graphene oxide as an antimicrobial agent can extend the vase life of cut flowers
(Springer; Tsinghua University Press, 2018) He, Y.; Qian, L.; Liu, X.; Hu, R.; Huang, M.; Liu, Y.; Chen, G.; Losic, D.; Zhu, H.
“PlantNanOmics” is an emerging topic in agricultural research that explores the potential effect of application of nanomaterials on plant growth. Graphene oxide (GO) has excellent properties due to its basal carbon plane and oxygen-containing functional groups. In the present work, the antimicrobial activity of GO was exploited to extend the vase life and improve the quality of cut roses (cv. Carola). The results revealed that the cut roses cultivated in low doses of GO (0.1 mg/L) had longer vase life, larger diameter, and better water relations. Microbial contaminations at the basal stem end is the most common reason for stem blockage that causes water stress and early wilting of cut flowers. GO was found to act as a germicide, effectively inhibiting the microbial growth at the cut stem end and improving water uptake and water balance of cut roses. Therefore, GO can serve as a promising preservative to increase the ornamental value of cut flowers.
Open Access
Green synthesis of three-dimensional hybrid N-doped ORR electro-catalysts derived from apricot sap
(MDPI, 2018) Karunagaran, R.; Coghlan, C.; Shearer, C.; Tran, D.; Gulati, K.; Tung, T.; Doonan, C.; Losic, D.
Rapid depletion of fossil fuel and increased energy demand has initiated a need for an alternative energy source to cater for the growing energy demand. Fuel cells are an enabling technology for the conversion of sustainable energy carriers (e.g., renewable hydrogen or bio-gas) into electrical power and heat. However, the hazardous raw materials and complicated experimental procedures used to produce electro-catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells has been a concern for the effective implementation of these catalysts. Therefore, environmentally friendly and low-cost oxygen reduction electro-catalysts synthesised from natural products are considered as an attractive alternative to currently used synthetic materials involving hazardous chemicals and waste. Herein, we describe a unique integrated oxygen reduction three-dimensional composite catalyst containing both nitrogen-doped carbon fibers (N-CF) and carbon microspheres (N-CMS) synthesised from apricot sap from an apricot tree. The synthesis was carried out via three-step process, including apricot sap resin preparation, hydrothermal treatment, and pyrolysis with a nitrogen precursor. The nitrogen-doped electro-catalysts synthesised were characterised by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, and BET techniques followed by electro-chemical testing for ORR catalysis activity. The obtained catalyst material shows high catalytic activity for ORR in the basic medium by facilitating the reaction via a four-electron transfer mechanism.
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Mixed-mode remediation of cadmium and arsenate ions using graphene-based materials
(Wiley, 2018) Lath, S.; Navarro, D.; Tran, D.; Kumar, A.; Losic, D.; McLaughlin, M.J.
Cadmium (Cd) and arsenate (As) are notorious environmental contaminants, and co‐contamination usually requires opposing treatment strategies due to their differing physico‐chemical properties. Developing adsorbents that can bind both contrasting contaminants simultaneously is desirable. Two prepared graphene materials, graphene oxide (GO) and iron‐oxide‐modified reduced‐GO (FeG), are evaluated for Cd‐ and As‐sorption, and performance is compared to a mixed‐mode commercial adsorbent. Negatively charged GO shows affinity toward cationic Cd, and positively charged FeG shows affinity toward anionic As. Sorption is pH dependent: Increase in pH‐promotes Cd‐sorption and retards As‐sorption. GO displays excellent Cd‐sorption even in acidic conditions. The maximum amounts adsorbed by GO and FeG are 782 μmol Cd g⁻¹ and 408 μmol As g⁻¹, respectively. Competition by calcium strongly suppresses Cd‐sorption, whereas competition by phosphate does not hinder As‐sorption. A mixture of GO and FeG demonstrates successful simultaneous sorption of Cd and As from co‐contaminated solutions, including a natural water sample, displaying greater sorption than the commercial adsorbent. Data highlight the potential application of graphene materials in effective mixed‐mode remediation of multiple contaminants (cations and anions).
Open Access
A facile synthesis procedure for sulfonated aniline oligomers with distinct microstructures
(MDPI, 2018) Karunagaran, R.; Coghlan, C.; Tran, D.; Tung, T.T.; Burgun, A.; Doonan, C.; Losic, D.
Well-defined sulfonated aniline oligomer (SAO) microstructures with rod and flake morphologies were successfully synthesized using an aniline and oxidant with a molar ratio of 10:1 in ethanol and acidic conditions (pH 4.8). The synthesized oligomers showed excellent dispersibility and assembled as well-defined structures in contrast to the shapeless aggregated material produced in a water medium. The synergistic effects among the monomer concentration, oxidant concentration, pH, and reaction medium are shown to be controlling parameters to generate SAO microstructures with distinct morphologies, whether micro sheets or micro rods.

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