Modelling Of Reduced Graphene Oxide Synthesized By Electrochemical Exfoliation And Photochemical Transformation
Abstract
The extensive variety of applications of graphene, and its high-quality and frugal way of synthesizing makes it very attractive. In this study, a cost effective and simple process to produce high-quality reduced graphene oxide is shown. The synthesis path was based on electrochemical exfoliation of graphite rods in different electrolytes (H2SO4, NaOH, Na2SO4, KOH, and (NaOH + H2SO4)) with different pH (0.5,1.5,2) and voltages (5v,8v,11.5v). The quality was examined by tests (UV and FTIR) for graphite exfoliated liquids, while XRD, EDS, and FESEM tests were conducted for graphene exfoliated powders produced by graphene oxide solution exposed to sunlight for a few hours, and their analysis shows formation of reduced graphene oxide and some of graphene derivatives with single and multilayer according to the type of electrolyte. Reduced graphene oxide with more purity was investigated by electrochemical exfoliation in acidic electrolyte and dried by exposed to sunlight. The modelling procedure was done for electrochemical exfoliation in acidic electrolyte by means of Central Composite Design given in Design expert Minitab 16. The optimum conditions were established to be 11.5V and a pH of 0.5, and modelling of production utilize response surface procedure indicated that the collection of the lowest electrolyte pH and the highest applied voltage resulted in the highest mass production.
