Graphene nanosheets: Ultrasound assisted synthesis and characterization

A facile sonochemical route for the synthesis of graphene nanosheets via reduction of graphene oxide (GO) has been reported. The synthesized graphene sheets are characterized using UV-vis spectra, Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectra, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The UV-vis spectroscopy results showed that the absorption peak was red shifted due to the reduction of GO into graphene. FT-IR and XPS spectra revealed the removal of oxygenated functional groups in graphene after the reduction process. Raman spectra confirmed the restoration of new sp(2) carbon domains in graphene sheets after the reduction. The sonochemical approach for the synthesis of graphene nanosheets is relatively fast, cost-effective and efficient as compared to other methods. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.