Escape inhibition of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine in aqueous solution by carboxyl-rich graphene oxide.

• The effect of different oxygen-functional groups of GO on the adsorption of UDMH was investigated. • A green preparation method of carboxy-rich GO was explored. • The inhibition effect of carboxy-rich GO on UDMH escape was verified. Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) is a widely used liquid propellant in the aerospace field but possesses a high leakage risk. Therefore, water spray device has been extensively used in all limited spaces of UDMH storage. However, once it is triggered, it will in turn create a large pool of liquid UDMH inside the storage facility and continue to produce toxic UDMH gas, hindering leak remediation and rescue activities. To address this practical problem, the present study first explores the graphene oxide structure based on the first principles study and then designs the most promising exogenous additive structure. Subsequently, carboxyl-rich graphene oxide materials are synthesized employing a modified Hummers method, which meets the requirement of the exogenous additive structure and environmental friendliness. Finally, the experimental results show that the use of graphene oxide with carboxyl-rich structure for UDMH leakage decreases the maximum UDMH escape amount and procure valuable time for subsequent emergency operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]