Effect of Reducing Agent on the Chemical Reduction of Graphene Oxides

The effect of treatment on the de-oxygenation and restoration of pi-pi conjugation of graphene oxides (GO), through basic (sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium borohydride (NaBH4), hydrazine hydrate, and NaBH4 and hydrazine hydrate) and neutral (superheated H2O) reducing agents has been studied. Reduced GO samples were extensively characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrical conductivity measurements. It was found that treatment with hydrazine hydrate was the most effective for the reduction of GO. NaBH4 and superheated H2O were the next best performing reducing agents, and NaOH was the least efficient. This study demonstrates that by varying the reducing agent, one can modify the physical and chemical properties of reduced GO, including electrical conductivity and thermal stability.