Large scale production of oxidized graphene
Embodiments described herein relate generally to the large scale production of functionalized graphene. In some embodiments, a method for producing functionalized graphene includes combining a crystalline graphite with a first electrolyte solution that includes at least one of a metal hydroxide salt, an oxidizer, and a surfactant. The crystalline graphite is then milled in the presence of the first electrolyte solution for a first time period to produce a thinned intermediate material. The thinned intermediate material is combined with a second electrolyte solution that includes a strong oxidizer and at least one of a metal hydroxide salt, a weak oxidizer, and a surfactant. The thinned intermediate material is then milled in the presence of the second electrolyte solution for a second time period to produce functionalized graphene.
1. A method for producing functionalized graphene, comprising:
transferring graphite into a milling vessel, the graphite having a first aspect ratio;
transferring a solvent into the milling vessel;
transferring a surfactant into the milling vessel;
transferring a first oxidizing agent into the milling vessel;
transferring a second oxidizing agent into the milling vessel; and
milling the graphite in the presence of the solvent, the surfactant, the first oxidizing agent, and the second oxidizing agent to produce functionalized graphene, the functionalized graphene having a second aspect ratio, the second aspect ratio larger than the first aspect ratio.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent includes water.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first oxidizing agent includes a metal hydroxide salt.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the metal hydroxide salt includes potassium hydroxide.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first oxidizing agent has an oxidation potential greater than about 1.5V.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first oxidizing agent has an oxidation potential less than about 1.5V.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the functionalized graphene is hydroxylated.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:
converting a hydroxyl group of the functionalized graphene to a carbonyl group.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the functionalized graphene is carbonylated.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the functionalized graphene is few layer graphene.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
isolating the functionalized graphene;
washing the functionalized graphene; and
filtering and drying the functionalized graphene.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second oxidizing agent includes a peroxide.
13. A method, comprising:
transferring graphite into a milling vessel, the graphite having a first thickness, the milling vessel including a media;
transferring a solvent into the milling vessel;
transferring a surfactant into the milling vessel;
transferring a metal hydroxide salt to the milling vessel;
transferring an oxidizing agent into the milling vessel; and
rotating the milling vessel in the presence of the solvent, the surfactant, the metal hydroxide salt, and the oxidizing agent to produce functionalized graphene, the functionalized graphene having a second thickness, the second thickness smaller than the first thickness.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the solvent includes water.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the oxidizing agent is at least one of a peroxide, a chromate, a chlorate, or a perchlorate.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide.
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein the functionalized graphene is hydroxylated.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
converting a hydroxyl group of the functionalized graphene to a carbonyl group.
19. The method of claim 13 , wherein the oxidizing agent has an oxidation potential less than about 1.5V.
20. The method of claim 13 , wherein the functionalized graphene is carbonylated.
21. The method of claim 13 , wherein the functionalized graphene is few layer graphene.
22. The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
isolating the functionalized graphene;
washing the functionalized graphene; and
filtering and drying the functionalized graphene.