Synthesis of graphene oxide-based poly(p-aminophenol) composite and its application in solid phase extraction of trace amount of Ni(II) from aquatic samples.

The results of investigations about the polymerization of p-aminophenol in neutral-weak alkaline medium (pH = 7-8) in our lab showed that the produced polymer which was insoluble in water and soluble in methanol has high tendency to form selectively a blue complex with Ni(II). Investigations into the chemical structure of polymer showed that polymer has a special structure, similar to polyamine in which the aromatic rings are connected through O-bridges. Based on these data, it was decided to polymerize p-aminophenol in situ on graphene oxide (GO) and use as a new sorbent for selective separation and preconcentration of trace amount of Ni(II) from water samples.