Synthesis of graphene nanosheets via oxalic acid-induced chemical reduction of exfoliated graphite oxide

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 2012 · RSC Advances

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/C1RA00934F· OSTI ID:1034231

Song, Peng; Zhang, Xiao-Yan; Sun, Mingxun; Cui, Xiao-Li; Lin, Yuehe

Preparing high-quality graphene through reduction of graphene oxide (GO) by oxalic acid is demonstrated in this paper. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectrometry were taken to confirm the reduction of GO and the formation of graphene under these mild conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis and conductivity measurements further testify the excellent thermal stability and conductivity of the obtained graphene. A possible mechanism for the reduction process was also proposed. Furthermore, a Pt-graphene composite was fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode and excellent electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation was observed. With advantages of low toxicity, simple purification process and high quality of the product, oxalic acid provides a feasible route to prepare graphene from GO under mild conditions, thus facilitating the use of graphene-based materials for large-scale applications.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1034231
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-84851
• Journal Information: RSC Advances, Journal Name: RSC Advances Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
CARBON
ELECTRODES
GRAPHITE
Graphene
METHANOL
OXALIC ACID
OXIDATION
OXIDES
PURIFICATION
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SPECTROSCOPY
STABILITY
SYNTHESIS
THERMAL GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS
TOXICITY
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
chemical reduction