High-efficient Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Based on Improved Hummers Method

Abstract

As an important precursor and derivate of graphene, graphene oxide (GO) has received wide attention in recent years. However, the synthesis of GO in an economical and efficient way remains a great challenge. Here we reported an improved NaNO₃-free Hummers method by partly replacing KMnO₄ with K₂FeO₄ and controlling the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid. As compared to the existing NaNO₃-free Hummers methods, this improved routine greatly reduces the reactant consumption while keeps a high yield. The obtained GO was characterized by various techniques, and its derived graphene aerogel was demonstrated as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. This improved synthesis shows good prospects for scalable production and applications of GO and its derivatives.