An efficient water saving step during the production of graphene oxide via chemical exfoliation of graphite

Abstract

Since its first systematic study in 2004, graphene and their derivatives has treated as one of the most exotic materials for the scientific community, and its exceptional physical properties have produced huge research articles. Herein, we are reporting a sustainable route to neutralize the highly acidic graphene oxide (GO) solution obtained through chemical exfoliations of graphite. To achieve this, we have used 1N Ba(OH)₂ solution to maintain/neutralize pH of acidic GO solution. By adding this step to Hummer's and related methods we could save at least 10L distilled water for each 2g of pure GO productions in short time compared to other methods.