Tuning graphene properties by a multi-step thermal reduction process

A multi-step thermal reduction process to produce graphene from graphite oxide was developed to optimize the degree of reduction, its BET surface area and its suitability as electrode in electrochemical energy storage devices. The procedure combines an initial flash pyrolysis to a temperature below 460°C and a subsequent ramp-heating treatment up to the selected final temperature. With this methodology, the morphology of the graphene materials obtained, which has a great influence in their behavior as electrodes, is controlled.