Top-down synthesis of graphene: A comprehensive review

Kumar, Neeraj; Salehiyan, Reza; Chauke, Vongani; Joseph Botlhoko, Orebotse; Setshedi, Katlego; Scriba, Manfred; Masukume, Mike; Sinha Ray, Suprakas

Abstract

Graphene research has become an emerging frontier in materials science because of its potential as a versatile material in multiple applications, from electronics, sensors, water treatment, batteries, displays, advanced composites, and coatings to biomedical applications. While the community has witnessed tremendous advances in the laboratory-scale synthesis of graphene, it is crucial to focus on sustainable large-scale graphene production to adopt graphene-based technology at an industrial scale. Several top-down and bottom-up methods have been developed to realize affordable graphene production. However, a low-cost scalable graphene production method with acceptable quality remains a challenge; top-down processes are demonstrating their potential to offer a more straightforward solution. Herein, we present an overview of recent progress in the research and development of top-down graphene synthesis methods and their potential to scale-up graphene production. We cover the effect of different synthesis parameters on the quality control of graphene. In addition, we provide a brief overview of bottom-up methods. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and future directions in top-down methods for large-scale graphene production.

Citation

Kumar, N., Salehiyan, R., Chauke, V., Joseph Botlhoko, O., Setshedi, K., Scriba, M., …Sinha Ray, S. (2021). Top-down synthesis of graphene: A comprehensive review. FlatChem, 27, Article 100224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flatc.2021.100224

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 21, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 8, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Deposit Date: Jan 30, 2023
• Journal: FlatChem
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Article Number: 100224
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flatc.2021.100224
• Keywords: Graphene; Top-down synthesis; Liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE); Existing challenges; Future directions