Microwave-Aided Exfoliation and Reduction of Graphene Oxide

Wet chemical oxidation methods have been widely used to prepare graphene oxide from graphite flakes, which in turn can be reduced using strong and hazardous chemicals like hydrazine. In this report, we have demonstrated a non-hazardous method for simultaneous exfoliation and reduction of graphene oxide. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), UV-Visible, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic techniques have been used to ascertain chemical functionalization and reduction of graphene oxide. Morphological studies were carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Morphological details of the microwave reduced graphene showed enhancement in inter-layer spacing of graphene sheets after microwave treatment. The enhancement in electrical conductivity of graphene oxide after microwave treatment indicates its efficient reduction.