A Green and Easy Large Scale Method for Obtaining Graphene Nanoplatelets by Steam Explosion and Ultrasonic Exfoliation

Abstract

A novel physical process to obtain graphene nanoplatelets consisting of two principal steps, steam explosion and ultrasonic exfoliation, is proposed. This approach requires only water; nevertheless, the pressure and temperature conditions in the steam explosion equipment contribute to the delamination of the graphite complemented with an ultrasonic step. Moreover, two kinds of source material were tested: highly pyrolytic oriented graphite and a lower oriented graphite. Infrared and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopies analysis confirmed additional functional groups were not generated in any of the treated materials. X‐ray diffraction showed that graphene nanoplatelets obtained in this work are conformed by 20–30 nm of thickness, also corroborated with atomic force microscopy. According to Raman results, graphene nanoplatelets possess a high structural quality which is similar to the initial graphite. Hence, this process represents a viable option to obtain graphene nanoplatelets through an easy, green and large‐scalable route.

Hybrid based on graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes obtained in a single‐step approach and its reinforcement effect in an epoxy matrix

“…Separation of supernatant from sediment ensures the collection of few layers graphene; however, the quantity of obtained materials is limited. Some applications require the notable properties of these materials, but it has been reported that graphene‐related materials of higher thickness also improve the performance of different systems, mainly polymer nanocomposites 30,31 . Therefore, if sediment of hybrids is partially exfoliated, it could be a good option to reinforce polymers, for example epoxy matrices which are widely used in industry.…”