A novel versatile method for graphite exfoliation and graphene production using magnetic water: preparation, characterization, and simulation studies

Abstract

Abstract There is an increasing demand for mass production of graphene through a simple, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective method. In this study, a novel versatile method was developed to prepare high-quality mono/bilayer graphene using magnetic water. Graphene nanosheets were synthesized through this novel method and then were characterized. Furthermore, the effect of magnetic water on the exfoliation of graphite was assessed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Magnetic water was produced in the laboratory by circulating water between two strong magnets (7000 gausses) for 2 and 6 h. The durability of magnetic water was investigated using a Magnetometer-Based Diagnostic Test. Then, the generated magnetic water was added to graphite. By adding magnetic water, the graphite absorbed more energy, creating more space between the graphite layers by weakening and breaking the van der Waals bonds and forming high-quality graphene. Finally, the formation of mono/bilayer graphene was confirmed through XRD and AFM tests. According to the results, the use of magnetic water increased graphene yield to almost 67%, while simulation studies predicted the yield of 70%. In addition, MD outputs predicted that the number of departed graphene nanosheets reached 35 and 1252 carbon atoms were stabilized in these nanosheets. According to the results of this study, magnetic water can be applied effectively in the production of graphene nanosheets.