(80e) Kinetic Modeling and Process Control for the Preparation of Graphene Oxide

Graphene oxide (GO), as a precursor for graphene synthesis, has received widespread attention due to its potential scalability, excellent dispersibility in various solvents, and facilitates processability toward many practical applications. However, the quantitative description and mechanism investigation for the preparation process of GO still remain a challenge, which essentially hinders the large-scale controlled production of high-quality GO and its related graphene materials. In this work, oxidation process of acidic oxidizing medium with flake graphite was interpreted as a solid-liquid two-dimensional advance of the reaction interface model. Reaction rate constant and kinetics parameters were obtained, and applied to process simulation, optimization and products control. Meanwhile, the exfoliation extent and lateral size distribution of GO during the ultrasonic-assisted exfoliation process were systematically studied for the product layer number and lateral size control. Kapur function analysis was used to arrive at the breakage kinetics under different conditions, and the breakage mechanism of graphite oxide is attributed mainly to sheet fracture. The results can be applied for designing desired industrial process for the preparation of GO with quantitatively controlled product quality by simple process parameters.