Facile synthesis of graphene nanosheets via Fe reduction of exfoliated graphite oxide.

Fan, Zhuang-Jun; Kai, Wang; Yan, Jun; Wei, Tong; Zhi, Lin-Jie; Feng, Jing; Ren, Yue-Ming; Song, Li-Ping et al. · ACS Nano · 2011

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The synthesis of graphene nanosheets from graphite oxide typically involves harmful chemical reductants that are undesirable for most practical applications of graphene. Here, we demonstrate a green and facile approach to the synthesis of graphene nanosheets based on Fe reduction of exfoliated graphite oxide, resulting in a substantial removal of oxygen functionalities of the graphite oxide. More interestingly, the resulting graphene nanosheets with residual Fe show a high adsorption capacity of 111.62 mg/g for methylene blue at room temperature, as well as easy magnetic separation from the solution. This approach offers a potential for cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and large-scale production of graphene nanosheets.