An alternative synthesis route to graphene oxide: influence of surface chemistry on charge transport in epoxy-based composites

A synthetic route for the production of graphene oxide is described, in which the commonly used potassium permanganate (KMnO 4 ) is replaced by chromium trioxide (CrO 3 ) as the oxidizing agent. Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate that the product is characterized by a reduced level of oxidation and a reduced defect content, compared to conventional graphene oxide (GO). We therefore term the product moderately oxidized graphene oxide (mGO). In comparison with GO, it is shown that when introduced into an epoxy matrix, mGO offers significant potential benefits. These include: excellent compatibility with the epoxy matrix leading to a low percolation threshold for electrical conductivity (~ 0.5 vol%); an associated increase in electrical conductivity of about eight orders of magnitude; no adverse influence on the epoxy curing reactions; potentially simplified material processing strategies.