Abstract
Few-layer graphene (FLG) sheets with sizes exceeding several micrometers have been synthesized by exfoliation of expanded graphite in aqueous solution of ammonia under microwave irradiation, with an overall yield approaching 8 wt.%. Transmission electron microscopy (in bright-field and dark-field modes) together with electron diffraction patterns and atomic force microscopy confirmed that this graphene material consisted mostly of mono-, bi- or few-layer graphene (less than ten layers). The high degree of surface reduction was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron and infrared spectroscopies. In addition, the high stability of the FLG in the liquid medium facilitates the deposition of the graphene material onto several substrates via low-cost solution-phase processing techniques, opening the way to subsequent applications of the material.
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Janowska, I., Chizari, K., Ersen, O. et al. Microwave synthesis of large few-layer graphene sheets in aqueous solution of ammonia. Nano Res. 3, 126–137 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-010-1017-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-010-1017-1