Synthesis of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide using volumetric method by a novel approach without NaNO < inf > 2 < /inf > or NaNO < inf > 3 < /inf >

Abstract

In the present work, graphite was processed to graphene oxide (GO) using modified Hummer’s method by volumetric titration approach, without attaining zero temperature and the addition of toxic chemicals (NaNO2/NaNO3). The complete oxidation of graphite to graphene oxide was obtained by controlled addition (volumetric titration) of KMnO4. The addition of higher KMnO4 resulted in partial oxidation and 2–3 mono-layers with less defects/disordered structure of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets were achieved. Samples were analyzed by XRD, FT-IR, Raman analysis, and TEM analysis. X-ray diffraction displayed the oxidized peak of graphene oxide at 11.9° and reduced graphene oxide at 23.8°. The prolonged stability of the synthesized GO with lower mole ratios of oxidizing agent was confirmed from UV–visible spectroscopy. Based on the results, processed graphene oxide is found to be a candidate material for thermally stable capacitor application.