Porous graphene network from graphene oxide: Facile self-assembly and temperature dependent structural evolution

There has been increasing interest to synthesize porous graphene structures for various applications, viz. super-capacitors, photovoltaic cells and sensors due to their unique structure with interconnected network, high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity and good thermal stability. Herein, a facile and highly effective scalable method has been developed to synthesize porous graphene network (PGN) from reduced graphene oxide. PNG was synthesized by a facile process that combines the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) by modified Hummers method and optimization of reduction temperature in ambient conditions. The morphology of the prepared samples was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Structural transformation during reduction of GO under ambient conditions was investigated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. In comparison to already existing methods, these results demonstrate a very convenient and general protocol to synthesize the PGN from GO for various applications.