Few-layer graphene obtained by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite cathode

Few-layer graphene has been prepared by electrochemical intercalation of graphite cathode using Na+/dimethyl sulfoxide complexes as intercalation agent. By adding thionin acetate salt into the electrolyte, the exfoliated graphite is stabilized and further exfoliated into few-layer graphene. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectra indicate that the graphene material has lower content of defects and oxygen functional groups compared with that obtained by chemically reducing graphene oxide. The graphene paper produced by filtration shows an electrical conductivity of 380 S m(-1), which is forty times larger than that of the graphene material produced by chemical reduction of thionin-stabilized graphene oxide. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.