Introduction

The invention describes a method for obtaining two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) composite materials based on graphene oxide (GO) through a “green” approach of self-assembly using the peroxyredoxin protein (Prx) as the “glue” between sheets of graphene oxide.

Technical features

The oxidation of graphene, which generates the graphene oxide, allows the individual sheets to be separated from the others, making them soluble in water, characteristics that make it very suitable for forming composite materials, interacting with biological macromolecules. The upper and lower surfaces of the ring obtained, allow the protein to interact with the graphene oxide producing a material that has the characteristics of a sponge with a very low density (about 2 mg/cm3) within which, thanks to a modification obtained by genetic engineering of the protein, it is possible to trap metal nanoparticles. The material generated is therefore a sponge, partially conductive and with trapped metals.

Possible Applications

• Catalization of chemical reactions using trapped metal;
• Construction of biosensors;
• Water filtration for cleaning up metal pollution.

Advantages

• Green process (without reducing, hazardous or toxic substances);
• Energy saver, not requiring very high temperatures for the reduction of graphene oxide;
• Considerable savings on the raw materials used;
• Low cost of production;
• Excellent scalability.