Preparation of graphene by the rapid and mild thermal reduction of graphene oxide induced by microwaves

Rapid and mild thermal reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to graphene was achieved with the assistance of microwaves in a mixed solution of N,N-dimethylacetamide and water (DMAc/H2O). The mixed solution works as both a solvent for the produced graphene and a medium to control the temperature of the reactive system up to 165 degrees C. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of graphene under this mild thermal reduction condition. The reduction time is found to be in the scale of minutes. The as-prepared graphene can be well dispersed in DMAc to form an organic suspension, and the suspension is stable for months at room temperature. The conductivity of graphene paper prepared by the microwave reduced product is about 10(4) times than that of GO paper. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.