Optimization of Reduction Time for Chemically Synthesized rGO

Introduction: This article presents structural and morphological analysis for graphene oxide (GO) synthesized via Hummers' method and for reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) prepared by chemical reduction. Graphene Oxide is synthesized from graphite powder at room temperature. Hydrazine hydrate is used as a reducing agent to reduce the accumulated GO. Method: To understand the impact of reduction time on structural parameters of produced rGO, three different time limits, i.e. 4, 5, and 6 hrs at 800 °C are used. FTIR spectra show the presence of all functional groups to confirm the authenticity of rGO samples. The XRD peaks are utilized to calculate different structural parameters for all the samples to identify the effect of reduction time. A change in the band gap energy may be noticed from UV-Vis absorption spectra. Result: It indicates that with the increase in reduction time, the absorption edge shifts to a lower wavelength value. FESEM micrographs reveal a flake-like random growth of rGO with prominent wrinkled structures, which is a signature of graphene-like 2D material. Conclusion: Hence, from the structural and absorption studies, it can be concluded that an increase in reduction time will produce smaller rGO flakes in the Hummers synthesis method.