Novel and green synthesis of chemically reduced graphene sheets using Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry) and its photovoltaic activity

Abstract

The study presents a novel and environment friendly procedure for obtaining chemically reduced graphene sheets (CRGs). Graphene Oxide as precursor material and Phyllanthus Emblica fruit extract as reductant. This procedure is suitable for mass production of graphene. Characterization of graphene flakes has subsequently been done using Raman spectroscopy, DLS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray-diffraction (XRD) and UV–vis spectroscopy. A reduction was observed in the oxygen containing functionalities of graphene oxide. Presence of Graphene layers was also confirmed by morphological studies like SEM and TEM. Further thermal strength of precursor material and its product was investigated by TGA. The strategy is successful in obtaining graphene which subsequently may be utilized in supercapacitors, sensors, and electronic devices. Its photovoltaic performance has also been compared with GO.