Characterization and conductivity of graphene oxide (GO) dispersion in different solvents

Graphene oxide (GO) dispersion in different solvents has been investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), UV-Vis spectrometer, densimeter and Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer (SPA). GO was prepared by modified Hummers method and dispersed in different solvents, namely acetone (A-GO), ethanol (E-GO) and deionized water (DIW-GO) Full exfoliation of each dispersion was achieved by sonication. The prepared GO dispersions has been compared with raw graphite during characterization and conductivity analysis. From FTIR analysis, peak characteristics of GO can be observed at 3595 cm−1 (E-GO), 3740 cm-1 (A-GO) and 3733 cm−1 (DIW-GO) which correspond to hydroxyl group. In UV-Vis spectra analysis, two major absorbance peaks around 230 nm which correspond to л-л* transitions can be observed in all GO dispersions except for graphite. It is found that E-GO had the highest density value (2.26 g/cm3). Result obtained by SPA analysis shows that the highest resistance value (Ω) is denoted by DIW-GO (5.81x107 Ω) followed by graphite (4.86x106Ω), A-GO (4.59x106 Ω) and E-GO (3.69 x106 Ω) respectively. The results reported in this study could serve as a basis to facilitate the fabrication of GO material in various applications.