Facile synthesis of graphene using a biological method

Abstract

A new, facile, low cost, environmentally safe process is demonstrated for the production of few layer graphene by liquid phase exfoliation of graphite using extracts of medicinal plants in water. Plant extracts possibly function as bio-surfactants by creating a barrier in the aggregation by adsorbing on to the exposed surfaces of the graphite, weakening the attraction between the layers created by the van der Waals forces and allowing the graphite to slowly exfoliate in the form of undamaged flakes.