A Facile Production of Reduced Graphene Oxide Transparent Films in Polyethylene Terephthalate Substrates

Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide films have widespread applications in many fields. There are several methods for preparing thin films of these materials in different substrates, but, scientists and engineers still looking for a method that offers low cost and high quality in thin film fabrication. Here is reported a low cost, easily scalable and environmentally friendly methodology to produce reduced graphene oxide conductive films in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates from graphene oxide suspensions. The reduction process was carried out in a green chemistry fashion way using ascorbic acid as reduction agent. Graphene oxide was synthesized by modified Hummers' method and the coating was realized in a homemade dip-coating process, using a universal testing machine. The properties of the graphene oxide were studied using thermogravimetric measurements, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The films were also characterized by contact angle and transmittance. Electrical properties were investigated by four-point probe method. Films with light transmittance between 70-99% and surface resistance as low as 13 k omega/sq were obtained, which allows it to be considered for application in electromagnetic shielding and electrostatic dissipation.

Automated summary

This study presents a low-cost, easily scalable and environmentally friendly method for producing reduced graphene oxide conductive films on polyethylene terephthalate substrates. The films exhibit high light transmittance and low surface resistance, making them suitable for applications in electromagnetic shielding and electrostatic dissipation.