Synthesis of graphene oxide and its reduction by green reducing agent

Abstract

A low cost and environment friendly green reducing agent ascorbic acid also known as vitamin C is used for reduction process of Graphene Oxide. Graphene Oxide was synthesized by Modified Hummer’s method where NaNO 3 is removed by increasing the amount of KMnO 4 . The degree of reduction is controlled by varying the amount of ascorbic acid without losing properties of reduced graphene oxide. Surface and structural properties were studied by X-Ray Diffraction, UV– visible, FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopy. FTIR confirmed that most of the groups like hydroxyl (–OH), epoxy (C-O-C), carboxyl (–COOH) and carbonyl (C = O) are removed during reduction process. Vitamin C is easily available and is found to be better replacement for reducing agents like hydrazine and sodium borohydride which are potentially toxic. Graphene and its derivatives are the basic materials used for a number of applications in composites, sensors, nanoelectronics, etc.