Synthesis and characterization of nitro-functionalized electrochemically exfoliated graphene

Recently, the wonder material graphene finds widespread applications where a higher surface area is required. In order to suit the varied requirements it is desirable to chemically modify the graphene surfaces. Functionalized graphene are found to be promising nanocomposite materials in area of nanoelectronics, material science and biological system due to their unique electronic, chemical and mechanical properties. In the present study, graphene was synthesized by electrochemical method from pyrolytic graphite rod. Subsequently, the electrochemically synthesized graphene was used to prepare covalently functionalized graphene with nitro groups by chemical transformation of the carboxylic acid groups on the surface of graphene.