Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) of Graphene Materials: Effect of Particle Size of Graphene, Graphene Oxide and Graphite on Thermal Parameters

Abstract

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been recognized as a simple and reliable analytical tool for characterization of industrially manufactured graphene powders. Thermal properties of graphene are dependent on many parameters such as particle size, number of layers, defects and presence of oxygen groups to improve the reliability of this method for quality control of graphene materials, therefore it is important to explore the influence of these parameters. This paper presents a comprehensive TGA study to determine the influence of different particle size of the three key materials including graphene, graphene oxide and graphite on their thermal parameters such as carbon decomposition range and its temperature of maximum mass change rate (Tmax). Results showed that Tmax values derived from the TGA-DTG carbon combustion peaks of these materials increasing from GO (558–616 °C), to graphene (659–713 °C) and followed by graphite (841–949 °C) The Tmax values derived from their respective DTG carbon combustion peaks increased as their particle size increased (28.6–120.2 µm for GO, 7.6–73.4 for graphene and 24.2–148.8 µm for graphite). The linear relationship between the Tmax values and the particle size of graphene and their key impurities (graphite and GO) confirmed in this study endows the use of TGA technique with more confidence to evaluate bulk graphene-related materials (GRMs) at low-cost, rapid, reliable and simple diagnostic tool for improved quality control of industrially manufactured GRMs including detection of “fake” graphene.

Novel Mixed Matrix Membranes Based on Polyphenylene Oxide Modified with Graphene Oxide for Enhanced Pervaporation Dehydration of Ethylene Glycol

“…The residual mass of all samples was ~27 wt.%. It should be also noted that GO is highly heat-resistant with combustion temperature in the range of 550-616 °C , depending on the particle size [59]. Based on the TGA data, no changes in the TG curves were observed in the membranes, possibly due to the low level of GO concentration in the membrane matrix.…”

Comparison of mechanical properties and thermal stability of graphene‐based materials and halloysite nanotubes reinforced maleated polymer compatibilized polypropylene nanocomposites

“…TGA and DTG of pristine GNP, GO, and HNTs describes the thermal stability of these nanofillers up to 900°C as shown in Figure 2A,B. The weight loss curve of pristine GNP shows two mass loss steps occurring at 285°C ( T 5 ) representing decomposition of oxygen carrying groups of GNP, while weight loss stage occurring at 360–900°C is the decomposition of carbon rich graphitic material, [ 49 ] with a retention of 71.94 wt% residue. Weight loss curve of pristine GO exhibits two main weight loss steps occurring at <100°C representing water elimination.…”

“…Weight loss curve of pristine GO exhibits two main weight loss steps occurring at <100°C representing water elimination. [ 49 ] Between 100–250°C represents the decomposition of oxygen containing functional groups of GO to CO, CO 2 , and H 2 O. [ 46 ] At 400–900°C represents thermal decomposition of GO structure with a retention of 56.05 wt% residue at 900°C.…”

Curcumin and Graphene Oxide Incorporated into Alginate Hydrogels as Versatile Devices for the Local Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…H ALG-GO was characterized by the highest content of free water, with a weight loss of up to 30% in the 100–170 °C temperature range, a value that was reduced by 20% in the case of H ALG . The effect of the incorporation of GO into the polymer network was the result of the balance between the hydrophobic character of the GO sheets due to the sp 2 carbon layer and the presence of oxygen-rich functionalities on the edge [ 56 ]. Here, the increased specific surface area of the hybrid hydrogels due to the incorporation of the polar surface of GO was responsible for the increased weight loss in the first temperature range.…”