Application of Ice to the Synthesis of Graphite Oxide: A Modified Hummers Method

Graphite oxides obtained by a modified Hummers method were studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and the Boehm titration method. It was proposed to use ice instead of water to ensure the best hydrolysis and conduct the process at low temperatures without overheating of the reaction mixture. The effect of different ice content of the reaction mixture on the phase composition, chemical composition, and composition of surface functional groups in graphite oxide was studied. The use of frozen hydrogen peroxide in the synthesis was also proposed to decrease the number of stages.