Synthesis and characterization of graphene paper with controllable properties via chemical reduction

Abstract

The synthesis of graphene paper with controllable properties via chemical reduction of exfoliated graphene oxides was investigated. UV-Vis absorption spectra, elemental analysis, FT-IR spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical analysis, electrical conductivity and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements were applied to the characterization. It was proven that different reduction levels of graphene oxides can significantly alter the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the corresponding chemically reduced graphene (CRG) paper. Moreover, UV-vis spectrometry was found to be a valid and facile method to monitor and control the reduction level of CRG, and furthermore to fine tune these properties, which may pave the way for large scale fabrication of graphene-based nanomaterials.