A combination of hydrothermal, intercalation and electrochemical methods for the preparation of high-quality graphene: Characterization and using to prepare graphene-polyurethane nanocomposite

The present work investigates an environmentally friendly top-down method to provide an inexpensive, easy and affordable rout for production of graphene. For the first time, modified carbon paste electrode was used to render the new method for graphene synthesis. Formerly diverse molecules used for graphite layers intercalation via a hydrothermal route, here the intercalated graphite powder used to prepare anode carbon paste electrode through electrochemical exfoliation. The obtained results presented Pyromellitic acid usage as an intercalating agent lead to generating a graphene sample with the desired quality. Lastly, a commercial polyurethane was modified by using the synthesized graphene that indicated the best quality between all samples (sample 7). Its mechanical properties studied as well by using a tensile testing machine. According to the obtained results, adding of the graphene to the polymer tissue enhances its mechanical properties like tensile stress and modulus up to 230 and 160% respectively. [Display omitted] •Introducing low-cost and environmentally friendly for top-down synthesis of graphene nanosheets.•Using of Pyromellitic acid as guest molecule for production of intercalated graphite.•Carbon paste electrode was prepared by intercalated graphite and paraffin into the end of a glass tube.•For the first time a handmade carbon paste electrode wad applied as anode in the electrochemical exfoliation.