Graphene oxide (GO) is an oxidized form of graphene, synthesized through the oxidation and exfoliation of graphite. GO shares the same thin structure as graphene, but includes intercalated oxygen-containing functional groups. The properties and applications of GO depend on the degree of oxidation. In general, GO shows several characteristics:
- Unlike graphene, it is hydrophilic (highly dispersible in water and other organic solvents to form stable aqueous colloids).
- As graphene, it has a high surface area.
- It is suitable to be used in composites as it can easily be mixed with polymers and other materials.
- It can be deposited on almost any substrate.
- It is an electrical insulator (it lacks graphene´s conductivity).
- It is fluorescent.
- It can be reduced to make lower cost/higher volumen Graphene.
