Thermally reduced graphene oxide: synthesis, studies and characterization

The main purpose of this study is to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using graphite (GR) as a starting material. This paper explains didactic step-by-step of the synthesis, the role of each reagent, showing pictures of the entire process and including a well-explained characterization study. The rGO was prepared using modified Hummer’s method, followed by thermal reduction. The materials were characterized from the starting material (GR), through the intermediate material (GO) and finally the material of interest (rGO). Various techniques and procedures were used to characterize the materials such as X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical characterization and dispersion analysis. Morphological and structural characterization of the obtained materials suggests that the synthesis and reduction to obtain rGO were effective. The obtained materials were electrochemically evaluated using ferri/ferrocyanide redox probe. The association of chemical oxidation of GR with KMnO₄ in the presence of H₂SO₄ with further thermal reduction makes possible to produce rGO in large scale and with quality as noticed by outstanding electrochemical behavior toward the redox couple [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻/[Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ probe.