Characterization of graphene nanoplatelets prepared from polyimide-derived graphite

• Published in: Materials letters 2015-12, Vol.161, p.321-324
• Main Authors: An, Jung-Chul, Lee, Eun Jung, Kim, Byoung Ju, Kim, Hye Jeong, Kim, Yong Jung, Shim, Joongpyo, Hong, Ikpyo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Band spectra; Exfoliation; Graphene; Graphite; Graphite intercalation compound; Graphitization; Graphitized film; Intercalation compounds; Nanoplatelets; Platelets; Polyimide; Polyimide resins
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2015.08.120

Multi-layered graphene platelets with tens of micrometer-wide were prepared from graphitized polyimide film by graphite intercalation compound (GIC) via exfoliation process. Sulfuric acid was used in the GIC formation step as the functional intercalating agent. Raman spectroscopy revealed that pristine graphitized polyimide film had the minimal intensity of D band peak with negligible R ratio value (ID/IG=0.01), while natural graphite flakes possessed much higher R ratio (ID/IG=0.104) due to their relatively high D band peak intensity. Exfoliated graphene platelets prepared from the graphitized polyimide film were analyzed to have the averaged lateral size of 42μm at the thickness of 5nm. Graphene platelets produced from natural graphite flakes were, however, found to be smaller (average lateral size of 30μm) and more defective than the product derived from graphitized polyimide film. This implies the intrinsic graphitic defect of starting materials is substantially related to the properties of the graphene platelets prepared thereof. •Thin and wide graphene platelets were prepared from the graphitized polyimide film.•Averaged lateral size of graphene platelet is 42μm at the thickness of 5nm.•Defect of graphene relates to the intrinsic graphitic structure of its precursor.