Preparation of few-layer graphene by the hydroxylation of a potassium–graphite intercalation compound

Few-layer graphene was prepared from the potassium–graphite intercalation compound (KC 8 ) by hydroxylation. In an oxidative atmosphere, KC 8 decomposes from its initial structural stage to a second or third stage. However, when KC 8 was hydroxylated by dropping a small amount of water onto it in a nonoxidative atmosphere, the KC 8 exfoliated with a disruption of the stage structure and agglomerated graphene was obtained. Sonication of this agglomerated graphene in water yielded few-layer graphene. It was found that dropping small quantities of water onto KC 8 is effective for achieving graphene with just a few layers. [TANSO 2014 (No. 262), 59–62.]