Effects of Processing Parameters on Massive Production of Graphene by Jet Cavitation

The massive production of graphene by jet cavitation method with high productivity is demonstrated. Effects of the critical processing parameters on the product dispersions are studied systematically. Experimental results show that high yield of graphene flakes relies on appropriate initial concentration of graphite, high jet pressure, and long treating time. By processing a large batch (10 L) of graphite dispersion for 8 h under 20 MPa in the jet cavitation device, an exfoliation fraction of up to ~12 wt% was achieved. Based on statistical analysis of atomic force microscopy, the as-produced graphene flakes were proved to be highly exfoliated, while the distributions of flake thickness and area became narrower with the increase of treating time. Raman spectra confirm that few defects on the graphene basal planes were induced. In general, the presented approach shows advantages in comparison with peer liquid phase exfoliation methods and thus provides a new route in efficiently producing high-quality graphene in large scale.