Preparation of few-layer graphene by the hydroxylation of potassium-graphite intercalation compound

Abstract

Few-layer graphene was prepared from the potassium-graphite intercalation compound (KC₈) by hydroxylation. In an oxidative atmosphere, KC₈ decomposes from its initial structural stage to a second or third stage. However, when KC₈ was hydroxylated by dropping a small amount of water onto it in a nonoxidative atmosphere, the KC₈ exfoliated with a disruption of the stage structure and agglomerated graphene was obtained. Sonication of this agglomerated graphene in water yielded few-layer graphene. It was found that dropping small quantities of water onto KC₈ is effective for achieving graphene with just a few layers.