Challenges of Industrial‐Scale Graphene Oxide Production

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) has enjoyed a recent surge in academic and industrial interest because of its myriad of potential applications. GO can be reduced to chemically converted graphene, or GO itself may be integrated into downstream products. This, along with its straightforward and scalable synthesis, makes GO a promising candidate for large-scale production. Here, the scientific, engineering and economic challenges for industrial-scale GO production are outlined. This discussion focuses on the key challenges with each stage of GO production, including the selection and sourcing of appropriate graphite and reaction media, safe and cost-effective oxidation of graphite, purification and isolation of the product, removal and treatment of wastewater, product storage and handling, and assessment of product quality. Recent chemistry, materials science and chemical engineering research into the production of GO is reviewed, and the outlook for industrial-scale GO production is discussed.