Synthesis of reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) from Graphene Oxide (GO)

Synthesis of reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) from Graphene Oxide (GO)

1. CHECK LIST

   Graphene Oxide (GO), Hydrazine Hydrate, Micropipette, Magnetic Stirrer, Round Bottom Flask and Reflux Setup.
   
2. STEP 1.

   Add Graphene Oxide (3mg/ml) in distilled water and setup reflux with proper stirring.
   
3. STEP 2.

   Add Hydrazine Hydrate (1µL per 3mg of GO) and set the temperature 80°C.
   
4. STEP 3.

   After 12 hours remove the reflux setup and filter out the reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO).
   
5. RESULTS

   Reduced Graphene Oxide colour would be black; Raman spectroscopy D band and G band would be obtained at around 1300cm-1 and 1550cm-1 respectively.
   
6. Factors Affecting Synthesis

   Concentration of Graphene Oxide: The main ingredient for the synthesis of reduced Graphene Oxide is Graphene Oxide. As much concentration we take initially, that much amount rGO we get at the end of the process. But much higher amount of Graphene Oxide can leads to incomplete reduction and thus bad quality final product.
   Concentration of Hydrazine Hydrate: Hydrazine Hydrate acts as the reducing agent in synthesis method. For the optimum reduction of the GO, optimum quantity of Hydrazine Hydrate is needed.
   Effect of Temperature: Temperature plays an important role in speeding up any reaction. High temperature synthesis give us fine product quality by consuming less time.
   Why Reflux: Reflux is a very good technique, when we want to give temperature to the solvents just below their boiling point. In this synthesis method, if we do not use reflux and direct heat the solution for 24 hours. Then all the water will be evaporated within few hours and only solid non-reduced GO will be left in the RB flask.
7. NOTE: All the experiments should be done under the guidance of lab Incharge; and proper lab safety instructions.