SYNTHESIS GRAPHENE OXIDE USING TOUR METHOD

Abstract

Due to its distinct structural, optical, and chemical characteristics, graphene oxide (GO), an oxidised derivative of graphene, has garnered a lot of interest for use in energy storage, medicinal devices, sensors, and composite materials. In this work, the Tour method—a modified and enhanced version of the traditional Hummers' method—was used to effectively synthesise graphene oxide from natural graphite. By using concentrated sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid as oxidising medium instead of sodium nitrate, the Tour technique improves oxidation efficiency, safety, and scalability. The principal oxidant, potassium permanganate, was employed, and carefully regulated reaction conditions were upheld to guarantee efficient oxidation while maintaining the structural integrity of graphene sheets. To create a stable GO powder, the synthesised graphene oxide was carefully cleaned, filtered, and dried. UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy was used to characterise the produced graphene oxide. The π–π* transition of aromatic C–C bonds were represented by a large absorption peak in the UV–Vi’s absorption spectrum about 230 nm, while the n–π* transitions of C=O bonds were responsible for a shoulder near 300 nm. These spectrum characteristics verify that graphene oxide was successfully formed. This technique is appropriate for large-scale production and further uses of graphene oxide in advanced materials research due to its effectiveness and decreased environmental risks.