Preparation and characterization of graphite nanosheets from ultrasonic powdering technique

Natural flake graphite was exfoliated into exfoliated graphite via an acid intercalation procedure. The resulting exfoliated graphite was a worm-like particle composed of graphite sheets with thickness in the nanometer scale. Subjecting it to ultrasonic irradiation, the exfoliated graphite was effectively further foliated into isolated graphite nanosheets. SEM, TEM, SAD, laser counting, and BET measurements revealed that the graphite nanosheets prepared with 10 h irradiation were about 52 nm in thickness and 13 mum in diameter. FTIR examination showed that there were oxygen-containing groups presented on the surface of the exfoliated graphite. This result substantiated the statement reported in the literature that acid treatment could result in oxidization of carbon bonds on graphite surface. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.