Deoxygenation
of Graphene Oxide: Reduction or Cleaning?
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Abstract
We show that the two-component model
of graphene oxide (GO), that
is, composed of highly oxidized carbonaceous debris complexed to oxygen
functionalized graphene sheets, is a generic feature of the synthesis
of GO, independent of oxidant or protocol used. The debris present,
roughly one-third by mass, can be removed by a base wash. A number
of techniques, including solid state NMR, demonstrate that the properties
of the base-washed material are independent of the base used and that
it contains similar functional groups to those present in the debris
but at a lower concentration. Removal of the oxidation debris cleans
the GO, revealing its true monolayer nature and in the process increases
the C/O ratio (i.e., a deoxygenation). By contrast, treating GO with
hydrazine both removes the debris and reduces (both deoxygenations)
the graphene sheets
