A simple green approach for synthesizing graphene oxide from graphite via electrochemical exfoliation

Abstract

In this work, high-quality grapheneoxide with large lateral dimensions was synthesized via a green and simple electrochemical exfoliation method from graphite rods. The graphite electrode utilized was a commercially available graphite rod, and the electrolyte mixture consisted of ammonium sulfate (NH₄)₂SO₄, which is both a readily accessible and cost-effective materials. The effects of various potential conditions on the quality of graphene were examined in detail. Grapheneoxide materials were fabricated via an electrochemical exfoliation approach in ammonium sulfate, employing a constant voltage range of 4.5-10 V. The characteristics of the grapheneoxide were confirmed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Through this environmentally friendly and straightforward method, few-layer graphene oxide was successfully produced, exhibiting high quality, large surface areas, and excellent dispersion in water. At an appropriate voltage (from 6 to 8 V), the graphene oxide demonstrated a high yield (70%), larger surface areas, a high C/O ratio (4.3), low defect density (I_D/I_G=0.47), and good dispersion in water (Zeta potential = -39.4 mV). The obtained graphene oxide holds potential for applications in environmental treatment and composite materials.