In the lab, I have continued to synthesize magnetite nanoparticles because my project requires a large quantity. I have also carried out this procedure because some partner universities of UTEP have requested samples of the nanoparticles. This week, I began the synthesis of graphene oxide. This synthesis is done with the following starting materials: graphite, potassium permanganate, and a mixture of sulfuric and phosphoric acid. In comparison with the previous synthesis procedure, this one has much more precautions involved. When dealing with highly corrosive acids, the chemicals should be handled under the hood at all times and be kept a safe distance away from the skin. The reaction for graphene oxide production is extremely exothermic, meaning that it is very heat sensitive. Needless to say, this procedure could be very dangerous if not handled properly. Graphene oxide was produced by the end of the week, but I still have to do the isolation and purification steps carrying on to the next week.

I am glad that some of the techniques I practiced in my previous lab proved useful here. The purification of product material follows a procedure that I am very familiar with involving solvent addition, centrifugation, and decanting the supernatant. I feel that I have absorbed a great deal of information in just two weeks, but I realize that I still have a lot to learn. When I am not working on my own project, I am trying to learn about the other chemistry-related techniques and procedures going on in the lab. In the down time between experiments, I enjoy reading relevant literature to gain a deeper understanding of my project. Once the working week was complete, some members of my lab group celebrated the birthday of a graduate student. It was nice to hangout with my fellow lab mates in a relaxed, nonworking environment. I also went hiking/exploring on a trail that was not well maintained. It is important to tread carefully on unknown terrain because there were some breaks in the trail and obstacles along the way. There were also some jackrabbits on this trail, but they were too fast for me to snap a picture (maybe next week, right?).