A practical method to synthesis few-layered graphene sheets via electrochemical with microwave assisted exfoliation

Abstract

In this work, quick and practical approach has been used to produce few-layered graphene sheets (FGs). Graphene sheets are synthesized by electrochemical exfoliation method using H2SO4 as an electrolyte with two graphite rods as anode and cathode electrodes. The graphite source in this work is three different grades of softness of pencil leads; B, 4B, and 8B. Then the few-layered graphene sheets are obtained by quick exfoliation of microwaves radiation. The prepared graphene sheets are characterized using various characterization tools such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results have showed that, the highest softness of pencil lead used, the fewer layers of exfoliated graphene sheets acquired. This electrochemical exfoliation method with microwave-assisted is a very promising method that suggests convenient, low-cost, and efficient way to produce few-layered graphene sheets with high yield.