Synthesis procedure and type of graphite oxide strongly influence resulting graphene properties

• Graphene oxide (GO) method of synthesis is crucial for properties of graphene prepared by its reduction.
• Significant differences in the graphene properties originate from permanganate or chlorate method of graphene oxide synthesis.
• The thermally reduced graphene exhibit significantly higher thermal stability as well as higher surface area.

Graphene is the one of the most intensively studied materials for its unique mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The aim of this study is to compare the significant differences between individual graphenes prepared using different graphite oxides as starting materials. Graphene was prepared by chemical and thermal reduction of five different graphite oxides, which were prepared according to Brodie, Hofmann, Hummers, Staudenmaier and Tour method. Due to the significant differences in the composition of graphite oxide used for synthesis significant differences can be also observed in graphene prepared by chemical and thermal reduction of starting material. The synthesized graphene materials were characterized in detail using different chemical and structural analytical methods. Significant level of unintentional nitrogen doping was observed on chemically reduced graphite oxide synthesized by permanganate methods. Also the degree of exfoliation and the corresponding structural properties were strongly dependant on the degree of oxidation of the starting graphite oxide. Finding the best synthesis procedure of graphene with desirable properties is essential to optimize technologies in large scale production of graphene for its utilization in industrial applications.

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