Abstract
AbstractGraphene is an advanced carbon functional material with inherent unique properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can be synthesized through either the top–down approach involving delamination of graphitic materials or the bottom–up approach involving graphene assembly from smaller building units. Common top–down approaches are exfoliation and reduction while bottom–up approaches include chemical vapour deposition, epitaxial growth, and pyrolysis. A range of materials have been successfully used as precursors in various synthesis methods to derive graphene. This review analyses and discusses the suitability of conventional, plant- and animal-derived, chemical, and fossil precursors for graphene synthesis. Together with its associated technical feasibility and economic and environmental impacts, the quality of resultant graphene is critically assessed and discussed. After evaluating the parameters mentioned above, the most appropriate synthesis method for each precursor is identified. While graphite is currently the most common precursor for graphene synthesis, several other precursors have the potential to synthesize graphene of comparable, if not better, quality and yield. Thus, this review provides an overview and insights into identifying the potential of various carbon precursors for large-scale and commercial production of fit-for-purpose graphene for specific applications.
Highlights
Since its first recorded observation in 1859, graphene has been lauded for its unique morphological, electronic, and mechanical properties resulting in a wide range of applications
electrochemically reduced to rGO (ERGO) were successfully harvested onto a glassy carbon surface [89], which acts as the substrate, yet any conducting surface can be used in its place
Since rice husk contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are the main components of most waste biomass, the success of this synthesis suggests that most waste biomass can potentially be used as feedstock to synthesize graphene carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through the microwave plasma irradiation (MPI) technique
Summary
Since its first recorded observation in 1859, graphene has been lauded for its unique morphological, electronic, and mechanical properties resulting in a wide range of applications. These issues result in products drifting away from pristine graphene and causing structural defects that significantly affect its electronic and mechanical properties [8] These defects may prove useful in applications such as biomedical devices that function through the attachment of molecules to the defects or to enhance the chemical reactivity of graphene through the defects associated with dangling bonds [9]. This research into alternative starting materials will place less strain on the finite global graphene resources and allows the production of graphene with more functionality, enabling its use in a wider array of applications. Identifying appropriate synthesis methods for each precursor in large-scale production of graphene is expected to help bloom the graphene industry and increase its widespread availability
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
