Electrochemical Exfoliation Techniques for Graphene Synthesis: Challenges and Future Opportunities

The synthesis of graphene derivatives through electrochemical intercalation and exfoliation is significant because of its green nature and cost-effectiveness. However, the tradeoff between the yield and properties of synthesized graphene derivatives is necessary to be considered when choosing electrochemical exfoliation as a synthesis method. Since the exfoliation takes place in an electrolyte solution, there is a possibility of side chemical reactions that adversely affect the quality of the graphene sheets in terms of defect densities, carbon/oxygen ratios, lateral size, and layer numbers, which are crucial for many of the promising applications of the material. Various process parameters significantly determine the quantity and quality of graphene derivatives produced by electrochemical exfoliation. In this chapter, we are addressing the challenges and future research directions in the electrochemical exfoliation synthesis of graphene and its functional variants for the desired application. The chapter is organized in such a way that the readers can understand the essentials of electrochemical exfoliation -its importance and features -to get an insight into the challenges to be addressed when going for electrochemical exfoliation synthesis.