Far-infrared-assisted preparation of a graphene-nickel nanoparticle hybrid for the enrichment of proteins and peptides.

A new approach based on far infrared-assisted in situ reduction was developed for the facile one-step preparation of graphene-nickel nanoparticle hybrid by refluxing a mixture solution containing graphene oxide, nickel(II) sulfate, and hydrazine over an far-infrared heater. The reduction time was as short as 20 min. The structure of the material was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometery, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Magnetic investigations indicate that the grapheme-nickel nanoparticle hybrid exhibits ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. Meanwhile, the hybrid was successfully employed in the enrichment and identification of proteins and peptides in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry based on its excellent magnetic responsibility, high dispersibility, large surface area, and hydrophobicity, indicating great promise for a wide range of applications.