Graphene is an emerging carbon material with a wide range of practical applications on a large scale. The yield and quality control of the resultant graphene are significant trade-offs in graphene production. The research is focused on fabricating high-quality multilayered graphene using an electrochemical exfoliation approach by adjusting the electrolysis parameters, such as the type, composition, and concentration of electrolyte, and DC Voltage.
An aqueous solution of 0.3M H2SO4 and 30% KOH was used as an electrolyte. A constant DC voltage supply of +10 V was incorporated for the electrolysis to investigate the relationship between characterization and synthesis parameters. The structure, chemical properties, and morphology of the synthesized graphene material were investigated using XRD, FTIR, Raman, UV-vis spectroscopy, FESEM, AFM, and TEM/HRTEM techniques.
The FTIR spectrum showed the appearance of C-O and C-OH functional groups, along with C=C stretching of the hexagonal network of graphene. The electronic transitions of π-π* and n-π* are visible in the UV-vis spectra of graphene. The XRD pattern of the graphene sample exhibits a characteristic peak at 2θ = 26.45, corresponding to a 3.412 Å interlayer distance. The development of multilayered graphene was demonstrated by the shape and location of the 2D band in the Raman spectra.
These studies reveal a comprehensive and detailed morphology showing the wrinkled layered surface with crumpled edges of few-layer graphene. Further, this study reinforces the tremendous potential of electrochemical exfoliation for fabricating large amounts of relatively perfect graphene structures for applications of practical importance.
