Stable dispersed graphenes prepared by the reduction of graphene oxides with mercapto acid

摘要

An cost effective, and simple method of preparation of surface modified graphene has been described in this work. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from flake graphite by following a modified Hummers' method. In comparison with other strong reducing agents used in GO reduction, we found thioglycolic acid (TGA) has its unique advantages in forming stable water dispersion of reduced GO. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the successful reduction of GO to graphene. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the product confirm the presence of thin sheets.