Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide Usin

This study explores the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using a novel exfoliation technique with graphite as the precursor. The primary objective was to develop a method for large-scale production of graphene-based composite materials by using a straightforward and efficient chemical process. The methodology involved treating pencil lead graphite with an alcohol-ketone-surfactant mixture, followed by mechanical and thermal agitation to obtain a golden brown suspension of rGO. Characterization of the synthesized material was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the oxidation of C=C bonds, thus validating the effectiveness of the method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealed the presence of nanoplatelets of graphene oxide, while Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis indicated a sheet thickness of less than 5 nm. Furthermore, the sheet resistance of thermally treated rGO on silicon wafers was measured to be between 200 and 300 Ω/□. The ellipsometric characterizations were consistent with the findings on thermally reduced graphene oxide films. The results demonstrate that the proposed exfoliation technique is a promising approach for fabricating rGO suitable for various applications.