I want to synthesis Graphene oxide from Graphite powder using Hummers method or modified/improved hummers methods. But there are lots of variation in amount of chemicals used and duration of experiments from literature to literature. That is why, I am in confusion which method be appropriate one and as a background knowledge, I am interested to know function of chemicals used mentioned above in the synthesis of Graphene oxide from graphite powder.
Formation of graphene oxide (GO) from graphite involves three basic steps: 1) Intercalation of the graphitic layers with a suitable chemical species so that you can easily separate the graphene layers; 2) oxidation of these graphene layers by creating C-O covalent bonds that forms pristine graphene oxide (PGO); and 3) conversion of the PGO to GO by reaction of water with PGO.
All the chemicals that you mentioned participate in one of the above three reaction steps. H2SO4 or H3PO4 intercalate into the graphite and help separate the graphene layers by forming graphite intercalation compound (GIC). KMnO4, and NaNO3 are oxidizing agents. They help formation of C-O covalent bonds by oxidizing the individual graphene layers. This step is the rate limiting slowest step.
For more details, please refer to: A.M. Dimiev, J.M. Tour, ACS Nano, vol. 8, 2014, p.3060
Hii,
Follow Improved hummers method for the production of good quality of graphene oxide.
Article Improved synthesis of graphene oxide. ACS Nano 4:4806-4814
Thank you Mr. Meenaketan Sethi for your suggestion regarding a nice method. It will be highly appreciated if anyone can explain the role of individual chemicals mentioned above in oxidation process of graphite.
Formation of graphene oxide (GO) from graphite involves three basic steps: 1) Intercalation of the graphitic layers with a suitable chemical species so that you can easily separate the graphene layers; 2) oxidation of these graphene layers by creating C-O covalent bonds that forms pristine graphene oxide (PGO); and 3) conversion of the PGO to GO by reaction of water with PGO.
All the chemicals that you mentioned participate in one of the above three reaction steps. H2SO4 or H3PO4 intercalate into the graphite and help separate the graphene layers by forming graphite intercalation compound (GIC). KMnO4, and NaNO3 are oxidizing agents. They help formation of C-O covalent bonds by oxidizing the individual graphene layers. This step is the rate limiting slowest step.
For more details, please refer to: A.M. Dimiev, J.M. Tour, ACS Nano, vol. 8, 2014, p.3060
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Materials
- Carbon Materials
- Graphite
- Graphene