Green approaches to synthesize reduced graphene oxide and assessment of its electrical properties

Abstract

A simple and green chemistry approach for the preparation of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets was successfully demonstrated through the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to obtain greenly-reduced graphene oxide (GRGO) using various green reagents. Without using toxic and harmful chemicals, this method is environmentally-friendly and suitable for the large-scale production of graphene. The prepared GO and GRGO were characterized by UV–Visible, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopic analysis which showed a clear indication of the removal of oxygen-containing groups from the GO and the formation of GRGO. The morphology of the GRGO samples was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Dynamic light scattering was used to measure the size of the GRGO particles along with zeta potential measurements. Electrical conductivity measurement was used to check the extent of reduction of GO to GRGO samples. The electrochemical properties of these carbonaceous materials were determined by cyclic voltammetry. The methods employed can lead to the preparation of GRGO can be effectively used in sensors and various electronic device fabrications.