Characterization of Graphene Variants Using Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Analysis

Low-dimensional materials especially graphene-based are of high interest to a broad community. One of the most fundamental aspects in the biomedical field is material characterization, which helps understand their property and tune for application. Though the existing teaching curricula are well standardized to include basic principles and instrumentation, the laboratory components are yet to be streamlined. Using an example of standard graphene oxide (GO) and one of its functionalized forms, Amine-GO (AGO), a set of laboratory experiments are presented in this article. The first part of the description includes the synthesis and preparation of GO and AGO with details of individual steps and reaction conditions. The laboratory exercises then provide sample preparation and characterization using spectroscopic techniques like UV–vis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry. The materials for sample preparation can be arranged with minimal cost, while the high-end instruments are primarily available in institutional shared facilities. Such laboratory design is highly essential to develop skills for sample preparation, measurement, writing skills, comparing the results with literature sources, and making an inference. The experiments are relevant for interdisciplinary students in biomedical, chemical, energy, and materials fields. It reflects requisite techniques ideal for developing hands-on skills and motivating students to tune advanced materials and find innovative solutions.