Plasma-Assisted Preparation of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Applications in Energy Storage

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) exhibits mechanical, optoelectronic, and conductive properties comparable to pristine graphene, which has led to its widespread use as a method for producing graphene-like materials in bulk. This paper reviews the characteristics of graphene oxide and the evolution of traditional reduction methods, including chemical and thermal techniques. A comparative analysis reveals that these traditional methods encounter challenges, such as toxicity and high energy consumption, while plasma reduction offers advantages like enhanced controllability, the elimination of additional reducing agents, and reduced costs. However, plasma reduction is complex and significantly influenced by process parameters. This review highlights the latest advancements in plasma technology for reducing graphene oxide, examining its effectiveness across various gas environments. Inert gas plasmas, such as argon (Ar) and helium (He), demonstrate superior reduction efficiency, while mixed gases facilitate simultaneous impurity reduction. Additionally, carbon-based gases can aid in restoring defects in graphene oxide. This paper concludes by discussing the future prospects of plasma-reduced graphene and emphasizes the importance of understanding plasma parameters to manage energy and chemical footprints for effective reduction.