An attempt to produce graphene by pulverizing graphite intercalation compounds

Stage 1 and 2 potassium-graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) suspended in N-methylpyrrolidone were ground and sonicated. After centrifuging, the supernatant solutions were analyzed photochemically. Absorption and emission spectra of the supernatant suggest that the solute is a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons with some benzene nuclei. Graphene layers in GICs are supposed to be torn during the process including sonication. This finding is expected to provide some information on the isolation methods of graphene, which has been attracting much attention due to its fascinating physical properties.