Few Layer Reduced Graphene Oxide: Evaluation of the Best Experimental Conditions for Easy Production

This work aimed to produce graphene oxide with few graphene layers, a low number of defects, good conductivity and reasonable amount of oxygen, adequate for use as filler in polymeric composites. Two starting materials were evaluated: expanded graphite and graphite flakes. The method of oxidation used was the Staudenmaier one, which was tested over different lengths of time. No appreciable differences were found among the oxidation times and so the lowest oxidation time (24 h) was chosen as the most adequate. An investigation was also conducted into suitable temperatures for the reduction of graphite oxide. A temperature of 1000 ºC gave the best results, allowing a good quality material with few defects to be obtained. The reduction was also evaluated under inert and normal atmosphere. The best results were obtained when the least modified material, e. g., graphite flakes, was used as a starting material, oxidized for 24h and reduced at 1000 ºC for 30 s in a quartz ampoule under a normal atmosphere

The influence of m-aminobenzoic acid on electrochemical synthesis and behavior of poly(aniline-co-(m-aminobenzoic acid)

Poly(aniline-co-(m-aminobenzoic acid)) was synthesized electrochemically at graphite electrode under galvanostatic conditions. Aqueous electrolyte for synthesis was consisted of HCl and different amount of aniline and m-aminobenzoic acid. The presence of the meta positioned carboxylic group in m-aminobenzoic acid influenced higher co-polymerization potential, different morphology and electrochemical behavior of copolymers compared to polyaniline. Electrochemical activity is achieved by proton exchange in neutral environment that can result in a faster charge/discharge process, which is in the case of PANI limited by slow anion exchange, making this material promising for consideration in super-capacitors and in biological system