Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide from petroleum coke via ultrasonication and its potential supercapacitive application
Nanomaterials; Carbon, Petroleum coke; Reduced Graphene Oxide; Ultrasonication; Graphene; Sustainability.
The remarkable properties of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNM) have stimulated a significant increase in studies on different 0, 1 and 2D nanostructures, which have promising applications in various fields of science and technology. However, the use of graphite as a raw material, which is essential for their production, limits the scalability of these nanostructures. In this context, petroleum coke is a by-product of the petrochemical industry with a high carbon content (>80 wt. %), is emerging as an attractive and low-cost option for the synthesis of carbonaceous nanostructures. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis project is to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using a low-cost precursor by a liquid exfoliation method via ultrasonication. Using RGO derived from industrial waste, it is hoped that the process will provide a good yield of nanomaterial produced, as well as acquiring electronic properties capable of providing supercapacitive efficiency similar to graphene, combining innovation, advanced technology and sustainability.