title: Graphene Oxide: A One- versus Two-Component Material.
abstract: The structure of graphene oxide (GO) is a matter of discussion. While established GO models are based on functional groups attached to the carbon framework, another frequently used model claims that GO consists of two components, a slightly oxidized graphene core and highly oxidized molecular species, oxidative debris (OD), adsorbed on it. Those adsorbents are claimed to be the origin for optical properties of GO. Here, we examine this model by preparing GO with a low degree of functionalization, combining it with OD and studying the optical properties of both components and their combination in an artificial two-component system. The analyses of absorption and emission spectra as well as lifetime measurements reveal that properties of the combined system are distinctly different from those of GO. That confirms structural models of GO as a separate oxygenated hexagonal carbon framework with optical properties governed by its internal structure rather than the presence of OD. Understanding the structure of GO allows further reliable interpretation of its optical and electronic properties and enables controlled processing of GO.
authors: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University , TCU Box 298840, Fort Worth, Texas 761291, United States.
authors: Anton
authors: A
authors: Naumov
authors: Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy and Central Institute of Materials and Processes (ZMP), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) , Dr.-Mack Straße 81, 90762 Fürth, Germany.
authors: Fabian
authors: F
authors: Grote
authors: Nano-Science Center & Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 København Ø, Denmark.
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Overgaard
authors: Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Egerlandstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Roth
authors: Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy and Central Institute of Materials and Processes (ZMP), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) , Dr.-Mack Straße 81, 90762 Fürth, Germany.
authors: Christian E
authors: CE
authors: Halbig
authors: Nano-Science Center & Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 København Ø, Denmark.
authors: Kasper
authors: K
authors: Nørgaard
authors: Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Egerlandstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
authors: Dirk M
authors: DM
authors: Guldi
authors: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology , Kemivägen 10, 41258 Göteborg, Sweden.|Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy and Central Institute of Materials and Processes (ZMP), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) , Dr.-Mack Straße 81, 90762 Fürth, Germany.
authors: Siegfried
authors: S
authors: Eigler