Modified and improved Hummer's synthesis of graphene oxide for capacitors applications

Abstract

In the present study, we explored whether different characteristics of graphene oxide prepared via two different routes have been modified. It was observed that samples obtained via both routes have nearly the same physico-chemical characteristics. Spectral (FT-IR and UV-vis) studies showed the synthesis and optical properties of the materials respectively. Optical band gap (Eg) was found to be in the range of 3.1–3.9eV. Thermal studies demonstrated that the prepared materials exhibited stability up to 550°C. X-ray diffraction evaluated the semi-crystalline nature of the materials with crystallite size in the range from 27–28nm. Dielectric study showed that the materials are active at low frequency range due to interfacial polarization while at higher frequency the dipoles present in the materials show relaxation behavior. The lowest value of dielectric tan. loss (0.03–0.39) acquired by both the samples is of immense importance for capacitors. Based on the observations, graphene oxide prepared is suggested to be used a possible material in thermally stable capacitors and in composite materials.