Effects of initial graphite particle size and shape on oxidation time in graphene oxide prepared by Hummers' method

• Published in: Journal of science. Advanced materials and devices Vol. 2; no. 4; pp. 470 - 475
• Main Authors: Shojaeenezhad, Seyyedeh Saadat, Farbod, Mansoor, Kazeminezhad, Iraj
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2017; Elsevier
• Subjects: Graphene oxide; Hummers method; Oxidation time; Particle shape; Particle size; Particle size; Graphene oxide; Particle shape; Hummers method; Oxidation time
• ISSN: 2468-2179; 2468-2179
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsamd.2017.09.003

The effects of initial graphite particle size and shape on oxidation time of graphite prepared by Hummers' method have been investigated. The oxidation was performed on three series of graphite particles, clod powder with two different sizes of 18 and 6 μm, and flake shaped powder with an average particle size of 25 μm. The samples were characterized by means of particle size analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ratio of XRD graphite oxide peak intensity to graphite peak intensity was considered as an indicator of the oxidation degree. It was observed that the oxidation time has a critical dependence on the initial graphite particle size and shape. While the oxidation of the clod samples was completed in several days, the oxidation of flake powder was completed just in 2 h. These findings help researchers to save time by choosing the particle size and shape of initial graphite powders. •The oxidation was performed on clod and flake shaped graphite powders.•Clod powders were 18 and 6 and flake shaped powders were 25 μm in size.•Oxidation of clod powders was completed in several days.•Oxidation degree of smaller particles was higher at the same oxidation time.•The oxidation of flake samples was completed just in 2 h.