Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide and Graphene Nanomaterial for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are key to bridging the energy supply and demand deficit in the world. Graphene, an allotrope of carbon, is the future nanomaterial for energy conversion and storage devices. The inability to produce large quantities and property optimized graphene hinders its widespread application in the energy sector. This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of graphene obtained by the chemical exfoliation of graphite. The improved Hummer’s method that excludes the use of sodium nitrate is employed to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) which is further reduced to graphene using ascorbic acid. The resultant GO and graphene materials are characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The electrical conductivity of both GO and graphene is also analyzed. The FT-IR analysis of GO indicates the presence of oxygen containing functional groups with formation of C=O, C-H, C-O-C, and COOH chemical bonds showing that graphite is completely oxidized. Scanning electron microscopy is used to analyze the morphology and structure of graphite, GO, and graphene and the results show a decrease in number of layers in graphene compared to graphite and GO. The obtained graphene in this work forms a foundation material for application in energy conversion devices such as fuels cells. Keywords—Graphene; Nanomaterial; Improved Hummer’s Method; Chemical Exfoliation