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Preparation and characterization of graphene nanosheets from graphite flakes through assisted intercalation-expansion using a microwave oven

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Abstract

Carbon-based structures have attracted attention due to their unique properties, combining excellent chemical, thermal mechanical, and electrical features. The use of microwave irradiation has been used to produce graphene materials and the identification of optimum synthesis parameters is crucial for the production of high-quality carbon structures. Herein, we describe a detailed temperature study for the production of expanded graphite nanosheets (GNs) via intercalation of sulfuric and nitric acids, followed by a rapid and energy-efficient process of microwave-assisted expansion and exfoliation. The results demonstrate that the proposed methodology was efficient in producing high-quality GNs with a size of approximately 1 nm. The temperature investigation revealed that heat treatment of 800 °C was the best, resulting in a high-quality material, achieving maximum expansion with the lowest weight loss related to thermal degradation. Thus, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests confirmed good electrochemical features of the sample produced at a temperature of 800 °C.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the company (Nacional de Grafite LTDA) for the donation of Graflake, essential material for this work. We are grateful for the support of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Financier of Studies and Projects (FINEP), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS) process number 21/2551-0002237-0  and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel—Brazil (CAPES)—Finance Code 001. Finally, we would like to thank the team at the CEME-Sul Laboratory at the Federal University of Rio Grande where (FE-SEM) analysis was made.

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  1. CCAF, IFM, CDTec - PPGCEM, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, 96010-610, Brazil

    Rogério D. Knuth, Flávio A. Knuth, Cristiane W. Raubach, Mário L. Moreira, Pedro L. G. Jardim, Neftali L. V. Carreno & Sergio S. Cava

  2. Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Technology Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Av. Eliseu Maciel Building 31, Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, 96010-900, Brazil

    Guilherme K. Maron

  3. Department of Physics, Federal University of Pampa, Bagé, RS, 96413-170, Brazil

    Eduardo C. Moreira & André Gündel

  4. Department of Physical-Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 91501-9, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

    Irene T. S. Garcia

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  1. Rogério D. Knuth
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Knuth, R.D., Knuth, F.A., Maron, G.K. et al. Preparation and characterization of graphene nanosheets from graphite flakes through assisted intercalation-expansion using a microwave oven. J Solid State Electrochem (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-023-05736-y

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