Synthesis of disperse graphene-like materials and their structural and electrochemical characteristics

Graphene-like materials of oxidized graphite (OG) were obtained by boiling in ethylene glycol, microwave treatment of a suspension of OG in ethylene glycol, and microwave treatment of dry OG without using solvents. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, elemental analysis, and electrochemical measurements. Microwave treatment of dry OG gave the most disperse material (～400 m²/g) with an oxygen content of no more than 20%. Treatment in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ for 50 h at 60°C in oxygen did not lead to oxidation and was accompanied by an increase in the dispersity of this material.