Methods for Preparation of Graphite Oxide by Oxidative Exfoliation of Graphite in Mixed Acid Media
- *Abstract
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Challenge
Because its chemical reduction yields graphene, graphite oxide has received considerable attention as a potential route to the large-scale production of important carbon-based materials.
Oxidation of bulk forms of graphite produces graphite oxide. This oxidation reaction, however, suffers from poor chemoselectivity. The reaction conditions required for acceptable oxidation levels often result in undesired cleavage of the resulting graphite oxide flakes. This excessive oxidation significantly reduces the dimensions of the graphite oxide product flakes from the original size of the graphite crystals and produces holes in the carbon matrix of the oxidized product. Such holes in the basal planes of the graphite oxide flakes reduce their utility as a viable route to chemically converted graphene.
A more selective oxidative strategy that preserves both the dimensions of the starting graphitic materials and the integrity of the product's carbon matrix is therefore desired.
Solution
The present invention describes an improved method for the production of graphite oxide from bulk graphite sources. The oxidative strategy offers high recovery of graphite oxides whose flake dimensions approximate those of the original graphite crystals. As a result, this method provides entry to bulk quantities of graphite oxide with improved properties over that obtained using previously described oxidative protocols.
Benefits and features
- Method produces graphite oxide flakes of similar dimensions to graphitic starting materials.
- High degree of oxidation observed.
- Oxidation of graphite crystal sizes ranging from dozens of nanometers to millimeters.
- Oxidation proceeds at detectable rate even below 30 degrees C
Market Potential / Applications
This process has relevance in the development and application of carbon-based composite materials and other areas where the properties of graphite oxide can be exploited. These areas include filtration and separation, conductive film, and oil field technologies.
Development and Licensing Status
This technology is available for licensing from Rice University.
Rice Researcher
James M. Tour is the T.T. and W.F. Chao Professor of Chemistry at Rice University. He has published over 400 research articles and is a named inventor on over 40 patents and patent applications.
Technology Relevant Papers and Web Links
Marcano, D. C.; Kosynkin, D. V.; Berlin, J. M.; Sinitskii, A.; Sun, Z.; Slesarev, A.; Alemany, L. B.; Lu, W.; Tour, J. M. "Improved Synthesis of Graphene Oxide," ACS Nano 2010, 4, 4806-4814.
International and US patent applications have been filed for this technology.
Tour website: jmtour.com
Case # 2009-045
Key Words: graphite oxide, graphene, oxidation
Inquiries to:
Luba Pacala, lpacala@rice.edu, (713) 348-5590
Neha Malik, neha.malik@rice.edu, (713) 348-4106
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