Active precursor-induced high-content graphitic-N-doped graphene oxide for the electrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol

Introducing nitrogen atoms into the graphene structure is an effective way to regulate the properties of graphene materials; however, directional regulation of nitrogen species in graphene is still difficult to achieve. Herein, the nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NGO) was prepared with an oriented design via radical precursor under different preparation processes to significantly improve operation performance in paracetamol (APAP) degradation. NGO synthesized by introducing NO2− radical contained abundant graphitic-N with a content of up to 79.90%, which could increase the defect degree of NGO to provide a large number of active sites, enhance the electrical conductivity, and improve the catalytic performance to degrade APAP. Moreover, the content of graphitic-N could be easily adjusted by controlling the hydrothermal treatment time and the amount of doped nitrogen. The degradation conditions were investigated, which showed that the current density of 20 mA, supporting electrolyte of sodium chloride, and initial pH of 4 were the optimal conditions. Furthermore, radical quenching experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance indicated that O2−, Cl, and OH active oxidants produced on the catalytic surface played a decisive role in the whole process.