What suitable characterization techniques can be used to compare the activated carbon (AC) (quite graphitic in nature) and reduced graphene oxide synthesized using that AC as a precursor?
Dear Akshita Singh, A variety of characterizations can be used to compare activated carbon (AC) and reduced graphene oxide. Since AC is amorphous in general, PXRD might reveal different crystalline features between both materials. Similarly, Raman spectra may help in the identification of carbon structures, with rGO exhibiting distinctive graphitic carbon peaks and AC a wide, disordered carbon peak. Furthermore, SEM/TEM can distinguish surface structure, with AC exhibiting an disordered and porous structure and rGO a more planar structure.
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Akshita Singh I'd be looking at SSA via BET. However, it all revolves around what you mean by 'compare'. The end application should indicate what sort of tools should be employed to 'characterize' your material. See:
https://www.materials-talks.com/characterization-is-a-number-42-not-a-goal/
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