Optimizing graphene production in ultrasonic devices

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the efficiency of graphene production from graphite by ultrasonic-induced exfoliation under different operational conditions. An ultrasonic bath and an ultrasonic horn tip were used, to show how the graphene production efficiency depends on the acoustic intensity and cavitation mechanism using graphite crystal with different initial sizes and characteristic lengths. Operational variables such as geometry, location and type of vessel containing the liquid phase, were also explored. All of them have effect on the cavitation process and directly influence the amount of graphene obtained. Remarkably, we found that the initial size of the graphite crystals has a marked impact in exfoliation process. Based on the above arguments we propose a combined protocol with a specific sequence to maximize the amount of graphene obtained.