Synthesis of neutral red covalently functionalized graphene nanocomposite and the electrocatalytic properties toward uric acid

The preparation of neutral red covalently-functionalized graphene nanosheets (NR-FGN) is presented via replacement of the carboxyl acid groups at the edges of graphene nanosheets using NR. The obtained NR-FGN was characterized by UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the introduction of NR at the edges of graphene nanosheets (GN) improved the solubility and stability of the graphene. The electrochemical impedance result further confirmed that NR-FGN could effectively accelerate the electron transfer. Due to the synergic effect between GN and NR, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of uric acid.