Progress in top-down production of graphene

Abstract

In this review, the focus is on recent studies into production methods of graphene classified as “top-down”. The methods are electrochemical exfoliation, liquid phase exfoliation (LPE), and liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation (LP-PLA). Each method is introduced and discussed based on changes that can be made to the chemistry involved, the layout and tools of the method, or additional steps taken. As graphene is looked at increasingly for research purpose, it is important to optimize its processing and gain a better understanding of each. TEM and SEM imagery help to give an indication of the structure, quality and morphology of graphene product made.