Graphene compositions and methods for production thereof
Drilling fluids comprising graphenes and nanoplatelet additives and methods for production thereof are disclosed. Graphene includes graphite oxide, graphene oxide, chemically-converted graphene, and functionalized chemically-converted graphene. Derivatized graphenes and methods for production thereof are disclosed. The derivatized graphenes are prepared from a chemically-converted graphene through derivatization with a plurality of functional groups. Derivatization can be accomplished, for example, by reaction of a chemically-converted graphene with a diazonium species. Methods for preparation of graphite oxide are also disclosed.
1. A method for preparing graphite oxide, said method comprising:
suspending an elemental carbon source in a solution comprising sodium hypochlorite;
wherein the elemental carbon source is selected from the group consisting of a graphite, a carbon black, and combinations thereof;
heating the solution to form a reacted mixture; and
separating the reacted mixture to form a supernatant phase.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solution further comprises sodium bicarbonate and water.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein heating is conducted for about 30 minutes to about 8 hours.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein separating comprises a technique selected from the group consisting of decantation, centrifugation, filtering and combinations thereof.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
acidifying the supernatant phase to form an acidified supernatant phase; and
evaporating the acidified supernatant phase to form a crude graphite oxide.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
dissolving the crude graphite oxide in water to form a crude graphite oxide solution; and
purifying the crude graphite oxide solution.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein purifying comprises dialyzing the crude graphite oxide solution to form a purified graphite oxide solution; and
evaporating the purified graphite oxide solution to form a purified graphite oxide.