Research progress in electrochemical preparation of graphene

Abstract

The exceptional electronic, thermal, optical and mechanical properties of graphene make it ideal for the next generation of electronic and optoelectronic devices. So, it is particularly important to research and develop high-quality, large-scale and low-cost technology of graphene preparation. Electrochemical exfoliation of graphite has emerged as a promising wet chemical approach with advantages such as scalability, solution processability and eco-friendliness. In this paper, research progress of preparation of graphene by electrochemical method was reviewed. The effects of anodic oxidation and cathodic intercalation of graphite on the yield, morphology, quality and defect level of graphene were emphatically described, and the exfoliation mechanisms of the two processes were briefly summarized. Moreover, the preparation and application of functionalized graphene by electrochemical approach were introduced. Finally, it was pointed out that the future development direction of electrochemical preparation of graphene is the design of electrolyte system, optimization of exfoliation conditions, understanding of the exfoliation mechanism, rational design of electrochemical cells.

Keywords

• graphene
• electrochemistry
• electrolytes
• anodic oxidation
• cathodic intercalation