Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide using modified hummers method

Abstract

Since graphene is expensive and relatively difficult to produce, significant efforts have been made to develop effective and inexpensive methods for creating and utilizing graphene [1], derivatives, or related materials. Graphene oxide (GO) is one such material. It consists of a single layer of atoms produced through the strong oxidation of cheap and abundant graphite. GO is an oxidized form of graphene containing oxygen-functional groups. Due to its ability to disperse in water and other solvents, GO is easy to process and can even serve as a precursor for graphene production. Although GO is not a good conductor, various processes can enhance its properties. GO is typically synthesized as a powder, in dispersion, or substrate coating. There are four primary methods for synthesizing GO: Staudenmaier, Hofmann, Brodie, and Hummers, with many variations available and ongoing improvements aimed at achieving better results and more cost-effective processes. The efficiency of the oxidation process is typically evaluated by the carbon-to-oxygen ratio of GO. In this study, graphene oxide was synthesized from graphite using a modified Hummers method. In this modification, an ice bath and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) were omitted, and the synthesis was conducted at room temperature. FT-IR, RAMAN, XRD, SEM, and EDS analyses were performed for characterization, yielding results consistent with findings reported in the literature.