Rapid Synthesis of Yellow Graphite Oxide - One-Step Electrochemical Oxidation of Graphite in Organic Solvents

Abstract

Graphite oxide is the intermediate in the synthesis of the so-called "miracle material" of the 21st century, graphene. The synthesis of highly oxidized, yellow graphite oxide is hitherto only possible via partially toxic and explosive wet-chemical processes. Therefore, the implementation of the topic graphene in school and university lessons was not possible. Due to the existing risks and the long synthesis time, the currently prevalent synthesis methods of graphite oxide are a major problem not only for teaching but also for scientific research. The authors present a novel electrochemical synthesis process of highly oxidized, yellow graphite oxide, which completely avoids the use of corrosive or toxic substances. The synthesis time is only a few minutes and the preparation of the material can be easily carried out. Therefore, Graphene can now be easily synthesized and taught in school and university.

The thermal reduction of graphene oxide – A simple and exciting manufacturing process of graphene

“…Die etablierten Verfahren, durch die man das hoch oxidierte Graphitoxid erhält, sind aufgrund ihres Gefährdungspotentials und der langen Synthesezeit nicht für den Schul‐ und Hochschulunterricht geeignet. Die Autoren präsentierten bereits ein Verfahren, mit dem Graphenoxid in kurzer Zeit und gefahrlos synthetisiert werden kann , wodurch das Themenfeld Graphen für den Schulunterricht zugänglich gemacht werden konnte.…”