A Sustainable and Environmental-Friendly Acid-Reduced Route for Graphene Oxide Synthesis Through Modified Hummers Method

Abstract The two-dimensional nanomaterial Graphene Oxide (GO) emerged as a cornerstone in materials science whose unique hydrophilic functional groups and tuneable physicochemical properties empower advanced applications in the fields of biomedicine, sensors, energy storage, catalysis etc. However, the Conventional Hummers Method for GO synthesis produces massive volumes of hazardous mineral acids waste, thereby presenting severe ecological hazards, complex wastewater management challenges and heightened operational safety risks related to exothermic reactions. Herein, we report a sustainable and green modification to the Hummers Method by suggesting an acid-sparse method for the preparation of GO, along with an effective oxidization of Graphite that has a reduced acid consumption. The modified protocol uses tailored synthetic parameters and a rate-controlled addition of the oxidant KMNO 4 to facilitate the Synthesis of well-exfoliated GO with reduced use of acids and enhanced operational safety. A comprehensive characterization was done in order to confirm the efficient exfoliation, the successful oxidation