Graphene

Conundrum, Sun Jun 23 2013, 09:55AM

Hi all.

Has anyone managed to duplicate the "laser graphene from graphite oxide (GO)" experiment yet?

I had some difficulties getting GO cheaply, also it is is considered hazardous so can't be sent air mail.

The plan so far is to search through the graphite powders available from DIY and security shops and see if
any of them can be modified using hand grinding to be used as feedstock.

Another approach is to "gut" defunct Li-FePO4 batteries as the graphite in these is substantially different
from that used in any other sort and if mixed with a shrinking adhesive such as tyre repair cement is known to
be highly conductive.

I've harvested some from a test battery which was carefully cleaned, and it seemed to be pretty fine powder
so if suitably rinsed to remove any electrolyte residue and then acetone or IPA double rinsed and sonicated it could
be repurposed into feedstock.

Chemically modifying graphite powder into GO isn't quite as difficult, apparently there are methods involving formic acid
but citric acid has been rumored to work if mixed with acetic.
(insert harvesting formic from colony of ants or something here)

Some plants also generate formic acid ie stinging nettles, if suitably prepared.
Ideas?

EDIT: zrg has sent me some pyrolytic graphite which could be suitable for surface modification.
Will add to this thread if and when I've tried this experiment but it looks promising so far.
I've done the "Sellotape Trick" and the resulting flakes look remarkably like graphite oxide so a bit of careful lasing and it should work.

-A