Abstract This study presents a comparative analysis of graphite, graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to elucidate how oxidation and reduction influence their physicochemical characteristics. GO was synthesized via an eco-friendly thermal oxidation process and reduced at 300 °C to obtain rGO. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, and EDS revealed significant structural, optical, and morphological transformations. UV–Vis spectra showed absorption shifts from 284 nm (graphite) to 241 nm (GO) and 264 nm (rGO), with corresponding band gaps of 2.4, 3.0, and 2.1 eV, confirming electronic transition and partial restoration of conjugation in rGO. FTIR identified the formation of oxygenated groups in GO and their partial removal in rGO. SEM analysis showed a morphological evolution from smooth graphite layers to wrinkled GO sheets and crumpled rGO structures. XRD confirmed interlayer expansion in GO (d = 0.765 nm) and structural recovery in rGO (d = 0.385 nm), while EDS validated oxygen incorporation and reduction trends. Dielectric modulus analysis revealed distinct relaxation behavior: high conductivity in graphite, strong dipolar polarization in GO, and improved charge mobility in rGO. Controlled oxidation and reduction effectively tailor graphene-based materials for potential advanced technological applications.
Mujamammi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.