Method of exfoliating and functionalizing graphite anode

Abstract

A. providing an electrochemical cell with a first graphitic electrode and a second conductive electrode, wherein the first graphitic electrode is made of any one of HOPG, natural graphite, and synthetic graphite, the first graphitic electrode is held at a most positive potential, and the second conductive electrode is conductive, wherein a current passes through the electrochemical cell; B. providing an electrolyte of a solvent in the electrochemical cell, wherein the electrolyte has specific oxygen containing salts and base. Thereby, the graphitic electrode is functionalized and exfoliated by applying a voltage between the two electrodes thus producing graphene oxide.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a method of exfoliating and functionalizing a graphite anode.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Graphene materials have been at the center of large focus in the recent years because of graphene's exceptional properties. Graphene has a unique range of properties, ranging from record electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical stability and others. As a result, a variety of applications are envisaged in the coming years.[0003]However, pristine graphene are difficult to process since they are not dispersed in solvents routinely used by industry making it difficult for the widespread adoption. As such, graphene oxide is routinely used as a substitute for this. Graphene oxide is graphene which has been functionalized through epoxyl, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Graphene oxide flakes are readily dispersed in variety of organic solvents and even water due to the electrostatic interaction between the aforementioned gr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for exfoliating and functionalizing a graphite anode to produce large amounts of graphene oxide or partially oxidized graphene without the need for strong acids or sonication. The method involves using an electrochemical cell containing an oxygen-containing salt and a strong base. The use of such salts and bases is non-obvious and opposite to traditional Hummers methods for preparing graphite oxide. The technical effects of this method include improved scalability and efficiency for producing high-quality graphene oxide.

Problems solved by technology

However, pristine graphene are difficult to process since they are not dispersed in solvents routinely used by industry making it difficult for the widespread adoption.

The material prepared by the above methodology technique is unfavorable for scale-up as there is a large amount of acidic waste and manganese-containing waste.

As the process scales into the kilograms, several tones are required for the washing part of the existing terms making such scale-up impractical.

Images