Electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide films in aqueous and organic solutions

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) films cast on tin oxide glass substrates were carried out in aqueous solutions and in propylene carbonate and acetonitrile. Cyclic voltammetric measurements indicate successful reduction of GO films. The reduction process begins in aqueous solutions at less negative potentials than in organic solutions. Additionally the pH value of the aqueous solutions influences the reduction potential. According to spectroscopic analysis the reduction process of the GO film can be controlled by the choice of reduction potential and electrolyte medium. The potential window in this work was made broader by increasing pH or by using organic electrolyte media. Infrared and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements show that the use of more negative potentials lead to more efficient reduction of the GO films and that also the used solvent has an effect on reduction.