Synthesis of Multilayer Graphene Oxide in Electrochemical Graphite Dispersion in H2SO4

Abstract

The possibility of electrochemical dispersion of natural graphite powder in 83% H2SO4 was studied to produce multilayer graphene oxide. It has been shown that the decisive effect on the exfoliation of graphite particles is exerted by the processes of intercalation of graphite and the release of gaseous oxygen. It has been established that coarse-grained graphite powders with a particle size exceeding 200 Μm are more susceptible to electrochemical dispersion. The resulting carbon nanostructured materials tend to agglomerate in an aqueous dispersion. During sonication, the particle size of oxidized graphite decreases markedly with the formation of multilayer graphene oxide.