Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide using modified Hummer’s method

Abstract

In the present study, a simple approach has been followed for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) using modified Hummers method in which graphite powder was oxidized in the presence of concentrated H2SO4 and KMnO4. The amount of NaNO3 and KMnO4 was varied to produce sheet like structure. The varied concentrations of NaNO3 and KMnO4 resulted in yielding large amount of the product. Structural, morphological and physicochemical features of the product were studied using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and crystal structure was determined using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). UV-Vis spectra of GO was observed at a maximum absorption of 230 nm due to (π-π*) transition of atomic carbon-carbon bonds. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of oxygen containing functional groups which ensures the complete exfoliation of graphite into graphene oxide X-ray powder diffraction pattern of the product showed the diffraction peak at (2θ = 26.7°) with an interlayer spacing of 0.334 nm. All the above characterizations successfully confirmed the formation of GO.