A green and efficient method to produce graphene for electrochemical capacitors from graphene oxide using sodium carbonate as a reducing agent

► A green and efficient synthesis of graphene sheets using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as a chemical reducing agent was studied. ► The possible mechanism for the deoxygenation reaction of graphene oxide was demonstrated. ► Extensive characterization showed that as-prepared materials consisted of few-layer thick graphene. ► The electrocapacitive performance of the Na2CO3-reduced graphene oxide was better than that of the hydrazine or NaBH4-reduced graphene.