Synthesis and characterization of Graphene Oxide in suspension and powder forms by chemical exfoliation method

Abstract

In this study, an efficient and facile technique for preparing graphene oxide in suspension and powder forms was presented based on a modification on Hummers' method followed by an additional ultrasonic process. The method involved the provision of graphene oxide from graphite by reaction of potassium permanganate and sulfuric acid with stabilizing the medium complex. Furthermore, this study evaluated the functionality of graphene oxide in powder form in comparison with suspension using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, prepared graphene oxide powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction method for investigating the exfoliation of graphite to graphene nanosheets. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques were employed to demonstrate the structure of resulting graphene oxide in suspension form. The presence of graphene oxide nanosheets including an average thickness of about 2-4 nm was proved via microscopy observation of the prepared nanosheets.