Overview of Electrochemical Exfoliation Approaches

In recent time, researchers and scientists have extensively studied electrochemical exfoliation (ECE) techniques to achieve defect-free, highly pure forms of 2D nanomaterials. It is eco-friendly, cost-effective, time-saving, simple, single-step, facile, and overall a highly efficient technique. Moreover, this method is also beneficial for the bulk production. The ECE involves an intercalation followed by exfoliation, upon applying a potential bias to the electrodes (anode or cathode) in an aqueous or organic electrolyte. However, the present chapter emphasizes the role of electrolytes with their potential applications to the quality and quantity of exfoliated 2D materials, especially graphene, and its composite materials. Additionally, the advantages and challenges associated with the electrochemical exfoliation technique over the existing top-down and bottom-up methods, along with applications of ECE, are also discussed.