Last updated: 2026-01
Material Identity
- Chemical name: Graphene oxide
- Material class: oxygen-functionalized layered carbon material
- Representative composition: C–O–H system with variable oxygen content
- CAS number: 7782-42-5 (graphite precursor reference; GO itself is composition-variable)
- Physical form: powder or flakes; may be supplied dry or as dispersion
- What it is not: not pristine graphene, not reduced graphene oxide, not carbon black
Activation & Trigger Conditions
- Trigger: surface interaction, chemical modification, or reduction treatment
- Energy domain: interfacial chemistry and defect-mediated electronic structure
- Absent trigger: without reduction, electrical conductivity remains limited
- Insufficient condition: poor exfoliation reduces effective surface area
- Excess condition: aggressive reduction can collapse structure or remove functional control
Functional Role
- Provides high surface area with oxygen-containing functional groups
- Enhances dispersion and interfacial bonding in composite systems
- Serves as a precursor for reduced graphene oxide
- Acts as a platform for chemical modification or hybrid material formation
Application Windows
- Compatible systems: polymers, coatings, papers, membranes, hybrid composites
- Loading range: formulation-dependent; no universal loading applies
- Processing notes: exfoliation quality, dispersion method, and pH influence performance
Limitations & Failure Modes
- High oxidation level → disrupted conjugation → low electrical conductivity
- Poor dispersion → restacking → reduced accessible surface area
- Uncontrolled reduction → structural damage → inconsistent material behavior
Alternatives & Trade-offs
- Graphene: higher conductivity but more difficult dispersion
- Reduced graphene oxide: improved conductivity with fewer functional groups
- Carbon black: easy processing but low surface functionality
When to Use
- When dispersion and surface chemistry are more important than conductivity
- When interfacial bonding must be enhanced
- When a tunable precursor to conductive carbon is required
- When solution or water-based processing is preferred
FAQ
Is graphene oxide electrically conductive?
No. Graphene oxide has limited conductivity unless partially or fully reduced.
Is graphene oxide the same as reduced graphene oxide?
No. Reduced graphene oxide has fewer oxygen groups and different electrical behavior.
Why does performance vary between batches?
Variation arises from oxidation degree, flake size, exfoliation quality, and dispersion state.
Data
No numerical values are listed. Oxygen content, surface area, flake size, and conductivity after reduction are grade- and process-specific and must be verified experimentally.
Sources
Peer-reviewed literature on graphene oxide materials and supplier technical documentation.