Weighing Acetonitrile Against Water as Dispersing Media for Fabrication of Graphene Oxide Films via Electrophoretic Deposition

This paper reports the deposition of graphene oxide thin films via electrophoretic deposition process (EPD) in two different media. Pristine graphene oxide (GO) platelets are fabricated through modified Hummer's method. The platelets are dispersed in two different dispersing media, namely acetonitrile (ACN) and distilled water. The morphology, thickness and surface properties of these films are analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), current density-time graphs obtained during EPD, Hansen, and Hildebrand solubility parameters. GO suspension in ACN exhibits more suitable film forming properties rather than GO suspension in water. Although GO platelets dispersed in water remain stable for a longer time, the platelets in ACN can move more easily toward the positive electrode (anode). Additionally, the quality of the film of GO-water suspension is affected by the electrolysis of water which occurs on the anode.