Optimized hummer's method for graphene oxide: Structural properties and electrochemical applications

Abstract

Herein, we intend to develop the facile and scalable synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) using an improved Hummer's method by optimizing the temperatures at 55 °C (GO-1) and 40°C (GO-2) without using a reducing agent. The structural and morphology of the exfoliated graphene oxide were characterized using XRD, FTIR, RAMAN, SEM with EDAX, and TEM. The structural and morphological investigation indicates that GO-1 exhibits significantly fewer surface defects on the graphene oxide basal plane than GO-2. Moreover, the temperature of 55 °C, produces very few GO layers while achieving a significantly high yield, thereby boosting scalability. The electrochemical performance of GO-1 and GO-2 was performed in KOH electrolyte using three electrode configurations. GO-1 achieves a specific capacitance of approximately 134 F/g higher than GO-2 due to the impregnation of electrolytic ions inside the exfoliated structure. This work will give new insight into developing the prototype to control time consumption for the production of a few layers of GO with a minimal surface defect during the exfoliation process.