A FACILE IMPROVED OXIDATION METHOD FOR ECOLOGICAL PRODUCTION OF GRAPHENE OXIDE

In recent years, various improvements over different graphene synthesis methods are practiced constantly for safer and functional substitutes. Though graphene extraction through Hummers method is one of the former techniques yet but new advancements are always present. Here, we have compared the properties of graphene oxide prepared through conventional Hummers method and simple room temperature approach and it is concluded that conventional Hummers method can be replaced by simple room temperature approach by replacing sodium nitrate (NaNO3) with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) having no change in properties. In comparison to conventional Hummers method, this simple method eliminates need of temperature control and generation of toxic gases. In our case, this one-pot oxidation of graphite powder at room temperature has provided large area production of graphene oxide with 100% conversion.