Electrochemical Production of Graphene Analogs from Various Graphite Materials

Oxidation of graphite is widely recognized as a promising method for large-scale production of graphene-like materials. Chemical oxidation of graphite has been developed for more than 100 years, while electrochemical oxidation has attracted attention over the last 10 years as a simple, safe, and controllable production method for graphene. This review summarizes the electrochemical production of graphene analogs focusing on the electrochemical conditions and form of starting graphite that affect the properties of the products. Electrochemical treatment of graphite by direct current has been applied to various graphite, such as HOPG, graphite rod, graphite foil, and powdered graphite, and generates deeply oxidized graphene materials. On the other hand, treatments with alternative current generate low oxygen content products. Therefore, the electrochemical treatment of graphite provides an option for the controlled production of graphene-like materials.