Graphene-Based Nanomaterial Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Graphene, a nanomaterial, is recognized as a two-dimensional (2D) carbon form, one of the universe's most prevalent elements. Despite its short history since its discovery, it exhibits extraordinary thermal, electrical, optical, and mechanical properties thanks to its high surface area, high electron mobility, biocompatible structure, and high adsorption capacity. These characteristics enable graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials to be remarkable in a variety of applications. According to the application area, the desired properties should be considered in the choice of synthesis method. Graphene synthesis methods are basically divided into the top-down method, which is based on the principle of exfoliation of layers, and the bottom-up method, which is based on the principle of layer growth. While synthesis methods provide a range of dimensional, physical, chemical, and morphological properties, these attributes are assessed using diverse characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Graphene-based nanomaterials exhibit significant potential in catalyst application, aiding in air and water purification as well as water splitting for H2 production due to their remarkable adsorption capacity. Moreover, they can also be used in energy storage because of their high electron mobility and conductivity and in various biomedical application areas because of their biocompatible structure. Looking ahead, these graphene-based nanomaterials hold significant promise, offering numerous technological opportunities in the future. This section initially highlights the structure and brief history of graphene, followed by examinations of the production processes, characterization procedures, and application fields for graphene-based nanomaterials.