Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite

When using the anodic oxidation as approach (Fig. 7.4a), a positive potential is applied to the graphite rod in order to oxidize it, thereby allowing intercalation of anions leading to structural expansion and ultimate exfoliation of graphene flakes [64]. However, if the applied potential is not properly controlled, side reactions will take place resulting in release of O2 and CO2 leading ultimately to the exfoliation of GO flakes [65, 66]. In this case the method suffers from the same drawback as in the chemical approach, it is hard to transform back the defect structure to sp in the carbon atom. 

Given the unique structure and properties of CPs (light weight, good tensile strength and flexibility) they have been shown as promising electrode materials for a range of different applications such as supercapacitors, sensors, solar cells, batteries, electrochromic cells and actuators [70-75]. However, CPs 

Furthermore, for some monomer materials the CV scan can be extended to anodic and cathodic potentials during the electrodeposition process ensuring both monomer oxidation and GO reduction, thus eliminating the need for the post-electrochemical reduction step [96-98], 

As discussed in Section 7.4.3, graphene can also be produced by the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite using ILs or other solvent combinations as electrolyte. Saxena et al. reported on electropolymerization of FOOT using both electrochemically exfoliated graphene (fluoro alkyl phosphate-based ionic liquid functionalized graphene [ILFG]] and rGO as electrolytes [99], 

In CPs, a number of variables during electropolymerization, such as the pol5mierization method and nature of dopant and electrol5Tte, to name a few, strongly affect the morphology of the film which plays an important role in their electrochemical performance. Many ILs show good compatibility with CPs and 

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Najafabadi, A. T, and Gyenge, E. (2014]. High-yield graphene production by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite Novel ionic... 

An optimal SEI layer formation not only minimizes the irreversible capacity, and thus the energy density of the cell, it also affects the cycling stability, rate capabiUty, and safety aspects of the cell. hi addition, an effective SEI layer suppresses the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite caused by the co-intercalation of solvated Uthium between the graphite layers. The unstable solvated Uthium intercalation compound formed as a short-living intermediate is decomposed... 

Figure 4.3 Showing the experimental setup used by Liu et al. [34] for the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite.

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