Optimization of Graphene-Related Materials Synthesis: Influence of Controlling Critical Factors in Different Methods

Since its first isolation in 2004 by Geim and Novoselov, graphene materials have been placed in the spotlight of the scientific community due to their outstanding properties such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, strong chemical stability and mechanical strength, exceptionally large specific surface area, transparency, and flexibility, among others, which make graphene-related materials suitable for applications in many fields of modern science and technology. Through the years, many synthesis methods for graphene and graphene-related materials have been proposed, modified, and well-established for good quality and repeatability of the materials for a controlled standardization of graphenic materials. Nowadays, graphene and graphene-related materials are transiting into new commercial technologies, therefore, adequate control of the synthesis factors of graphene materials is crucial for both laboratory-scale research and industrial-level production. This Chapter does a critical review of the different chemical and physical synthesis methods for graphene and its related materials, stressing out the importance of controlling the multiple factors involved in the synthesis processes, such as reagent purity, temperature, pressure, time, labware, as well as the human factor, in order to obtain the desired properties according to the final application.