Effect of Simultaneous Sonication with Horn and Plate Types on the Preparation of Few Layer Graphite

The effect of different ultrasonication types on the production of few layer graphite (FLG) from graphite powder (270 μm) in ethanol was systematically investigated. Ultrasonic irradiation was done by using plate type (23.3 kHz, 500 W), horn type (20 kHz, 500 W), and combination of both types for 3 hr at room temperature. The obtained graphitic products were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy. It has been observed that depending upon the applied ultrasonic types; variations in the properties of obtained FLG were noticed. The obtained FLG were also found to be oxidized into graphene oxide and other intermediate products containing hydroxide and carbonyl groups depending upon the ultrasonic sources applied.