Graphene synthesis through electrochemical exfoliation of graphite followed by sonication induction in acetonitrile

This study aimed to synthesize graphene through electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in sulfuric acid and ammonium sulfate electrolyte with various voltage variations, followed by an induction process in acetonitrile (ACN) as the dispersant using a sonication mechanism. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the synthesis method was systematically evaluated using graphite rod exfoliation, filtration, drying, sonication, and re-drying at a temperature of 60 ºC for 24 h. The results showed that ACN used for graphene induction maintained the original characteristics of the products, remaining inert and stable under changing environmental conditions, such as sonication energy. Characterization using Raman spectroscopy showed an increase in the intensity ratio of the 2D peak to the G peak (I 2D /I G ), with the highest ratio of 0.697 obtained from graphene synthesized using (NH₄)₂SO₄ electrolyte at a voltage of 15 volts. Additionally, the highest I D /I G ratio of 0.12 was observed under the same voltage and electrolyte conditions, indicating the greatest level of defects in the synthesized graphene. Morphological analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a flat and smooth surface structure. The electrochemical characterization showed that the highest specific capacitance of 11.57 Fg −1 was achieved in the synthesis of graphene with H 2 SO 4 electrolyte at a voltage of 15 volts, suggesting the potential applications of this material, particularly in chemical sensors.