Top-down synthesis of graphene: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Graphene research has become an emerging frontier in materials science because of its potential as a versatile material in multiple applications, from electronics, sensors, water treatment, batteries, displays, advanced composites, and coatings to biomedical applications. While the community has witnessed tremendous advances in the laboratory-scale synthesis of graphene, it is crucial to focus on sustainable large-scale graphene production to adopt graphene-based technology at an industrial scale. Several top-down and bottom-up methods have been developed to realize affordable graphene production. However, a low-cost scalable graphene production method with acceptable quality remains a challenge; top-down processes are demonstrating their potential to offer a more straightforward solution. Herein, we present an overview of recent progress in the research and development of top-down graphene synthesis methods and their potential to scale-up graphene production. We cover the effect of different synthesis parameters on the quality control of graphene. In addition, we provide a brief overview of bottom-up methods. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and future directions in top-down methods for large-scale graphene production.