A Facile Electrochemical Method for Graphene Nanoplatelets Preparation Using Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract We report on facile method of graphene nanoplatelets synthesis by electrochemical method using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). For the synthesis procedure we utilize standard redox potential of the carbon atom belonging to carboxyl groups. The graphene oxide was obtained by anodic oxidation of MWCNTs in 80% sulfuric acid at optimum oxidation potential +3.0 V for 4 h. The subsequent electrochemical reduction of the obtained material was carried out in an alkaline medium. The successful electrochemical production of the graphene nanoplatelets from MWCNTs was confirmed by different experimental techniques, in particular TEM, XRD, XPS, XES, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The current‐voltage characteristics of the oxygen electrodes produced from the electrochemically obtained graphene nanoplatelets were investigated. It was shown that the graphene nanoplatelets produced by electrochemical method is a promising material for fuel cell electrodes.