The influence of temperature, time and concentration on the dispersion of reduced graphene oxide prepared by hydrothermal reduction

The method of hydrothermal reduction was used to reduce graphite oxide (GO) and a series of experiments were made to investigate the influence of hydrothermal temperature, time and concentration on the reduction and dispersion effects. The atomic force Microscopy (AFM), UV/Vis spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to confirm that the black suspension obtained in the critical conditions had been transformed into reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The as-prepared RGO can be dispersed in water forming suspensions with long-term stability without any organic solvents and other substances, which will facilitate the preparation of RGO-polymer composites and its applications.

► Critical conditions was obtained to produce the reduced graphene oxide. ► Non-carbon impurities was not introduced in the products. ► The conductivity of waterborne polyurethane was improved after mixed with reduced graphene oxide.