Few-layered graphene production utilizing ultrasonic probe with simulations for optimization of geometrical parameters

Abstract

Many researchers are working on graphene production at a cost-effective level with less number of layers and lower defects. To achieve this goal, this research is performed by numerical and experimental methods to optimize graphene production utilizing sonication via a probe in a liquid medium. Theoretical prediction of the pressure distribution in a liquid medium can aid in the easier optimization of geometry and operating parameters. This liquid-phase-exfoliation study includes a parametric investigation of alter in; the probe diameter (D_P), the probe immersion depth (d) and the cylindrical reactor geometry. The numerical simulation is validated by experiments studied by sonicating graphite powder in a water–ethanol medium to produce graphene. From a comparison between simulation and experimentation, our results from the UV–visible spectra, FESEM, TEM images and Raman spectrum indicate that the bilayer graphene is produced in this experimentation. Sonicating graphite in a cylindrical reactor by the ratio of height H to diameter D of the cylinder being 2 with a probe of 40 mm in diameter, the probe immersion depth of 15 mm, results in the production of pure graphene with minimum defect bilayer. This happens when the simulation shows that maximum differential pressure (Δp) in the solution has reached.