Basic Insights into Tunable Graphene Hydrogenation

The hydrogenation and deuteration of graphite with potassium intercalation compounds (GICs) as starting materials was investigated. Characterization of the reactions products (hydrogenated and deuterated graphene) was carried out by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TG-MS) and Raman spectroscopy including statistical Raman spectroscopy (SRS) and -microscopy (SRM). The results reveal that the choice of the hydrogen/deuterium source, the nature of the graphite (used as starting material), the potassium concentration in the intercalation compound as well as the choice of the solvent have a great impact on the reaction outcome. Furthermore, it was possible to proof that both mono and few-layer hydrogenated/deuterated graphene can be produced.