Effect of synthesis method on solvation and exfoliation of graphite oxide

Graphite oxides (GOs) synthesized by Brodie’s and Hummers’ methods are significantly different with respect to hydration, solvation and exfoliation properties. Hummers GO is more easily intercalated by liquid water and alcohols, exhibiting osmotic type of swelling. In contrast, Brodie GO shows crystalline swelling in alcohol solvents with step-like insertion of methanol or ethanol monolayers. However, the stronger hydration and easier dispersion in water observed for Hummers GO do not correlate with better dispersion of graphene powder obtained by thermal exfoliation. Higher surface area graphene powder was obtained by exfoliation of Brodie GO, while the temperature of its exfoliation is about 75 °C higher than that for the studied sample of Hummers GO. It is suggested that higher exfoliation temperature and better crystallinity of GO are important factors for preparation of graphene powder using thermal exfoliation.