Abstract:
Graphene is a planar monolayer of carbon atoms arranged into a two-dimensional honeycomb
lattice. Due to the exceptional properties of graphene, it has a variety of industrial applications.
Graphite remains the most popular precursor for large-scale graphene synthesis or low-cost
production. The modified Hummers method and the Staudenmaier method are the popular
techniques in which raw graphite is converted into a much valuable form of graphite called
graphene oxide. As prepared graphene oxide, then reduce to prepare reduced graphene oxide
(rGO). However, the Hummers method has some drawbacks and diminishes the physical
properties of prepared graphene. As a result, alternative methods for synthesizing graphene from
graphite are necessary. In this study, microwave radiation and low-cost, eco-friendly chemicals
(H2O2 and commercial liquid hand wash) have been utilized to synthesize graphene from natural
vein graphite in Sri Lanka. In this technique, the H2O2 and liquid hand wash intercalated natural
vein graphite powder in an aqueous medium was microwave irradiated at 400 W for 5 min.
Then, the microwave irradiated sample was sonicated for 30 mins to obtain the dispersion
containing graphene flakes. The resulted graphite intercalated compound was characterized
using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, and the prepared graphene dispersion was
characterized using UV–visible spectroscopic technique. The XRD data exhibit a successful
production of graphite intercalation compound. The UV-Visible data reveal that the sonicated
aqueous dispersion contains graphene, although no indication of graphene oxide in the samples.
This process has the advantage of manufacturing graphene quickly while using natural graphite
and environmentally friendly chemicals.
Keywords: Sri Lankan vein graphite; Graphene; Microwave irradiation; Intercalation
