Synthesis of Few-Layer Graphene Sheets from Waste Expanded Polystyrene by Dense Fe Cluster Catalysis
Tianzhao Hu, Jiafu Chen, Jiafu Chen, Xiaoqing Lü, Jing Chen, Jing Chen, Zhimin Chen, Jianwei Fu, Yong Chen
Abstract
Graphene sheets have a vast number of potential applications due to their excellent properties. However, poor quality and harsh preparation conditions restrict their application. Here, few-layer graphene (FLG) sheet powder with high quality has been synthesized from waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) at low temperature by dense Fe cluster catalysis. The micron-sized FLG sheets comprising about three layers show high crystallinity and good electrical conductivity that are comparable to those of the shear-exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets. More than 70% carbon yield of FLG sheets from cheap EPS and their safe, controllable synthesis conditions make it easy to expand production. The catalytic formation mechanism of FLG sheets is studied.