Characteristics of polymers that stabilize colloids for the production of graphene from graphene oxide

Stabilization of graphene oxide and graphene dispersion using polymeric stabilizers has been investigated. Only polymers with right specification can be served as stabilizer for graphene. [Display omitted] ► Polymers can be served as stabilizers for graphene. ► Polymer-graphene affinity is decisive for the formation of protective layer. ► Only polymers with right molecular weights can be employed as stabilizer. ► Molecular weights of polymer stabilizer mostly depends on size of graphene sheets. There is an increasing interest to find cost-effective methods to produce graphene. It is common to produce graphene from the reduction of graphene oxide colloids. The key to this method’s success and producing graphene layers is having stable colloids of graphene and graphene oxide. The objective of this paper is to study the characteristics of a polymeric stabilizing agent that ensures stabilization of both graphene and graphene oxide. After providing a theoretical basis for selecting a proper polymer, experimental evaluations are performed to show that only proper polymers with the right molecular weight can serve as the stabilizing agent for both graphene and graphene oxide.