Graphene Oxide Synthesized by using Modified Hummers Approach

Abstract

The graphite oxide was prepared by oxidizing purified natural flake graphite via modified Hummers method. The graphene oxide was prepared by graphite oxide exfoliating in distilled water with ultrasonic waves. Structural and physiochemical properties of the products were investigated with the help of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-vis spectra of GO exhibit maximum absorption peak at ~237 nm attributable to π-π* transition of the atomic C-C bonds. The results of FT-IR and Raman showed that graphite oxidized by strong oxidants caused the oxygen atoms introduced into the graphite layer and formed C?O, C-H, COOH and C-O-C chemical bond with graphene. The XRD results showed 2θ of 12.02° with inter layer spacing equal to 0.77 nm. SEM images demonstrate ultrathin and homogeneous graphene films. Electrochemical behavior of GO modified glassy carbon electrode investigated with reference to K3FeCN6 redox system and results reflect that electrochemical behavior is controlled by the electron transfer.