The modified Hummer's method is a chemical reaction used to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) from graphite. The reaction is a multi-step process that involves the oxidation of graphite by nitric acid (HNO3) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4).
The first step in the reaction is the intercalation of HNO3 and H2SO4 into the graphite layers. This is done by heating the graphite in a mixture of concentrated H2SO4 and HNO3. The intercalation of HNO3 and H2SO4 weakens the bonds between the graphene layers, making them more susceptible to oxidation.
In the second step, KMnO4 is added to the reaction mixture. KMnO4 is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts with the intercalated HNO3 and H2SO4 to form permanganic acid (HMnO4). HMnO4 is a highly reactive compound that oxidizes the graphene layers, forming GO.
The third step in the reaction is the removal of the KMnO4 from the reaction mixture. This is done by adding hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to the mixture. H2O2 reacts with KMnO4 to form manganese dioxide (MnO2), which is a less reactive compound.
The final step in the reaction is the purification of the GO. This is done by washing the GO with water and ethanol.
The overall mechanism of the modified Hummer's method can be summarized as follows:
Graphite is intercalated with HNO3 and H2SO4.
KMnO4 is added to the reaction mixture.
HMnO4 is formed and oxidizes the graphene layers, forming GO.
KMnO4 is removed from the reaction mixture.
GO is purified
You may want to check out the following article :
1. A Simple Approach to Stepwise Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Nanomaterial
Article A Simple Approach to Stepwise Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Nanomaterial
2. Graphene based metal and metal oxide nanocomposites: synthesis, properties and their applications
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3. High-efficient Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Based on Improved Hummers Method.Article High-efficient Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Based on Improved...
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4. Synthesis of Graphene Oxide (GO) by Modified Hummers Method and Its Thermal Reduction to Obtain Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO).Article Synthesis of Graphene Oxide (GO) by Modified Hummers Method ...
I hope this clears up your doubt. Good luck with your research!