Chemistry and Mechanism of One-Step Formation of Graphene from Agrowaste

Abstract

The one-step synthesis of high-quality graphene derivatives via CVD process has gained considerable importance nowadays for high-performance electronics and sensors. However, the use of harsh chemicals, high temperature, sensitivity, and the problem of separation of graphene from the substrate, motivated the one-step synthesis of graphene from a non-graphitic precursor, bypassing the use of graphite. In this paper, we have reported for the first time, the synthesis of graphene nanosheets from sugarcane bagasse at the normal atmospheric condition in a single step, avoiding the formation of GO. Here, the pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse was carried out in the temperature range of 250-450o C in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The results suggested that even the low temperature (250–450o C) facilitated the development of graphitic planes via condensation and aromatization of the glucose monomers present in the precursor. The XRD pattern showed 2θ at around 25o in each case, which confirmed the formation of graphene instead of GO. The FESEM, TEM, and EDX analysis proved the formation of few-layer nanosheets of graphene from carbon-rich waste precursors in a single step.