Review on graphene and its derivatives: Synthesis methods and potential industrial implementation

Graphene and its derivatives have gained significant attention of late due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. This review focuses firstly on the synthesis methods of graphene and its derivatives along with their attributes and characterization techniques. This is followed by a discussion of the potential industrial implementation of the synthesis routes. The potential industrial implementation of the graphene synthesis methods are reviewed using the key criteria of cost, process condition, yield, scalability, product quality and environmental impact. The literature data supported that synthesis routes such as oxidative exfoliation-reduction, liquid-phase exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition have the potential to be commercialized due to their ability to produce large amount of high quality graphene. Further development is necessary to overcome barriers such as environmental concerns and the high graphene cost.