Surfactant Assisted Production of Graphene

Graphene has attracted world-wide attention due to its intriguing set of properties. However, the production of graphene on the bulk scale remains a significant challenge which is limiting its uptake in applications, particularly composites.

The exfoliation of graphene in solvents using ultrasonic energy is the most promising approach to-date for the large scale production of graphene flakes. The process relies on a good interaction between the graphene and the solvent used. This interaction can be enhanced by the use of surfactants. 

This project will investigate the production of graphene using solvent exfoliation. Graphitic materials will be ultra-sounded in a range of solvents and surfactants. The resultant dispersions will be centrifuged and fractionated. The final graphene flakes will be studied using Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

In particular, the effects of the choice of starting carbon material on the yield, size and thickness of the graphene produced will be investigated.