Remarkable wettability of highly dispersive rGO ink on multiple substrates independent of deposition techniques

Abstract

Numerous methods are available for obtaining reduced graphene oxide (rGO), however, the agglomeration of rGO flakes is a major challenge for different applications. Incorporation of additives (as anti-agglomerating chemicals) along with reducing agents modifies the chemical properties of graphene oxide and related carbon materials. Intrinsically, reduced graphene oxide (rGO H ) synthesized via hydrazine (reducing agent) agglomerates and exhibits a hydrophobic nature that limits its surface application necessitating the use of surface treatments. The present article describes a process for the formulation of graphene oxide that results in a highly dispersive ink of rGO A using hydrazine as reducing agent and a water based additive composed cationic surfactants (e.g. Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide or benzisothiazoline) and anionic surfactants (e.g. Dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt or methylisothiazolinone). The constituent chemicals of the dispersing agent assist in three ways: (i) allow rGO flakes to exist in a highly dispersive form, (ii) act as binder via cross linking with the carboxylic groups, and (iii) enhance the wettability of the rGO ink on a variety of substrates including glass, SiO 2 , PDMS etc, without any surface treatment, independent of applying techniques say spin coating, dip coating, doctor blade, etc. Thus, the proposed chemical recipe is an attractive procedure to obtain rGO A ink with high wettability owing to its simplicity, low cost and eco-friendly nature.