Graphene & Graphene Oxide
Graphene and Graphene Oxide: Definition, Types, Applications and How to Choose
Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon with outstanding conductivity and surface area. This page explains the differences between graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene nanoplatelets, with product options for research.
- One carbon atomthick per graphene layer
- Up to 1,562 m²/grGO surface area in our catalogue
- Powders & dispersionswater and ethanol
- Research scaleavailable at AMI Scientific
What are graphene and graphene oxide?
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Pencil graphite is actually a stack of millions of graphene layers. Separated into one or a few layers, this carbon becomes very strong, highly conductive and has a large surface area.
Graphene oxide (GO) is graphene whose surface carries oxygen groups such as hydroxyl, epoxy and carboxyl. These groups make GO easy to disperse in water and to modify chemically, but also make it almost non-conductive. GO is usually made by oxidising graphite, for example with the Hummers method. Chemically or thermally reducing GO partly restores its conductivity, giving reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
Graphene, GO, rGO and nanoplatelets
| Type | Characteristics | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Graphene (dispersion) | Few-layer, conductive, ready to coat | Conductive inks, thin films, electrodes |
| Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) | Stacks a few nanometres thick, most economical | Polymer composites, thermal conduction, additives |
| Graphene oxide (GO) | Rich in oxygen groups, hydrophilic, insulating | Membranes, biomedicine, rGO precursor, adsorbents |
| Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) | Oxygen partly removed, conductive, high surface area | Supercapacitors, electrochemical sensors, catalysts |
| Functionalised / doped graphene | Amine groups or boron/nitrogen atoms | ORR catalysts, CO₂ adsorption, selective sensors |
Graphene research applications
- Supercapacitor electrodes and battery conductive additives.
- Electrode modification for electrochemical sensors.
- Supports for HER, OER and ORR electrocatalysts.
- Stronger, conductive polymer composites.
- Filtration and desalination membranes from GO layers.
- Anti-corrosion and thermally conductive coatings, for example on solar panels.
Graphene and graphene oxide products
Selected Nanografi products; specifications are taken from product names. Click a product for pack sizes and full details.
| Product | Best for | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphene nanoplatelet 99.9%, 3 nm, 800 m²/g | High-surface-area composites and electrodes | Rp 2.396.000 | Buy online |
| Graphene nanoplatelet 99.9+%, 5 nm, Ø18 µm | Thermal conduction and composites | Rp 2.242.000 | Buy online |
| Graphene ethanol dispersion, 1 wt% | Coating and drop-casting | Rp 4.564.000 | Buy online |
| Graphene oxide water dispersion | Membranes, biomedicine, rGO precursor | Rp 3.016.000 | Buy online |
| Graphene oxide 2–5 layers, Ø4.5 µm, 420 m²/g | GO powder for composite synthesis | Rp 7.080.000 | Buy online |
| Single-layer graphene oxide (powder) | Research requiring single-layer GO | Rp 14.820.000 | Buy online |
| rGO 99%, 1,562 m²/g, 2–5 layers | Supercapacitor and sensor electrodes | Rp 12.111.000 | Buy online |
| rGO water dispersion, 2 wt% | Conductive films from aqueous solution | Rp 8.163.000 | Buy online |
| Boron-doped graphene (powder) | Electrocatalysis and sensors | Rp 12.691.000 | Buy online |
See also graphene quantum dots and every product in the graphene search.
Tips for dispersing graphene and GO
- Choose a compatible solventGO disperses well in water; graphene and rGO are more stable in NMP, DMF, ethanol or water with surfactant.
- Sonicate in stagesUse bath or probe sonication with cooling breaks; excessive sonication cuts the sheets.
- CentrifugeRemove unexfoliated sediment for a more uniform dispersion.
- CharacteriseCheck with UV-Vis, Raman or XRD to confirm layer number and oxidation degree.
Usage notes
Products are for research and laboratory use only, not for consumption or as finished cosmetic ingredients. Full specifications and SDS are on each product page.
Safety: nanopowders are easily inhaled. Weigh in a fume hood or ventilated enclosure, wear a respirator, gloves and goggles, and read the SDS before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between graphene and graphene oxide?
Graphene is pure, conductive carbon. Graphene oxide carries oxygen groups, so it disperses in water but is insulating. GO can be reduced to rGO, which is conductive again.
What is graphene oxide used for?
GO is used for membranes, drug carriers, pollutant adsorbents, composites and as a precursor to rGO for electrodes and sensors.
Which is most economical for composites?
Graphene nanoplatelets are usually the most economical and easy to blend into polymer or cement matrices.
Is graphene safe to handle?
Handle it as a nanopowder: avoid inhalation, use a fume hood and personal protective equipment, and follow the product SDS.
Need help choosing?
Tell us about your samples, methods and budget. Our team will put together the equipment and supplies with a formal quotation.
