Synthesis of Graphene Nano Sheets by the Rapid Reduction of Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene Oxide Induced by Microwaves

Graphene has been produced by various methods and techniques from various precursors. Here we demonstrate a simple and fast method of electrochemical exfoliation of graphite to graphene oxide (GO) and then its rapid reduction to graphene nano-sheets (GNs) with the help of microwaves. The samples prepared by this method were characterized with different techniques such as Ultra Violet-Visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) to confirm their characteristic properties. The UV spectra of GO and GNs showed a sharp and intensive peaks centered at 266.5 nm and 230 nm. The FTIR spectra confirmed the oxidation of graphite and deoxygenation of the GO. Similarly, XRD analysis also confirmed the comparative layer structures of GO and GNS. The typical AFM morphology of GNs drop-casted on glass substrate ascertained the presence of few layers of graphene. This electrochemical exfoliation method and microwaves reduction offers a low-cost and efficient route to produce high quality graphene with high yield. (author)