Electrical and spectroscopic investigations on the reduction mechanism of graphene oxide

Ultra-large graphene oxide sheets of monolayer thickness were obtained by removing ultrasonication during the conventional oxidation process of graphite. In situ electrical conductivity measurement during the reduction by hydrazine monohydrate vapor and thermal annealing revealed the existence of an onset temperature at which electrical conduction started to occur. Corresponding X-ray photoelectron spectra indicated that an approximately 65% restoration of the sp² network led to the occurrence of electrical conduction. Reduction by ring-opening of epoxide group by hydrazine treatment seemed to restore the sp² network, while thermal annealing left a considerable number of defects in the graphene sheet through the formation of volatile gases.