“Graphene” is sold in several very different forms. Graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphene nanoplatelets and CVD graphene share the same carbon lattice but behave differently in water, in polymers and in an electrical circuit. Choosing the right one saves a lot of trial and error.
Graphene oxide (GO)
Graphene oxide is made by oxidising graphite, commonly with Hummers-type methods, and exfoliating the product into thin sheets. The sheets carry oxygen-containing groups: hydroxyl and epoxide groups on the basal plane and carboxyl groups at the edges. These groups make GO hydrophilic, so it disperses well in water and polar solvents, and they give plenty of sites for chemical functionalisation. The same groups interrupt the conjugated carbon network, so GO is electrically insulating.
Typical uses: membranes and coatings, polymer and cement composites, biosensing platforms, and as the precursor for rGO.
Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)
Reduced graphene oxide is GO from which most of the oxygen groups have been removed by chemical, thermal or electrochemical reduction. Reduction restores much of the electrical conductivity, although some oxygen and structural defects remain. rGO is less dispersible in water than GO.
Typical uses: battery and supercapacitor electrodes, conductive composites, sensors and conductive inks.
Graphene nanoplatelets and CVD graphene
Graphene nanoplatelets are short stacks of graphene layers produced from graphite. They contain little oxygen, conduct heat and electricity well, and are the practical choice as an additive in polymers, coatings and lubricants. CVD graphene is a continuous film grown on a metal such as copper and transferred to a substrate; it is the form used for electronic devices, transparent electrodes and fundamental research.
Side-by-side comparison
| Property | Graphene oxide | Reduced graphene oxide | Graphene nanoplatelets | CVD graphene |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen content | High | Low | Very low | Very low |
| Dispersion in water | Good | Limited | Needs surfactant or solvent | Not applicable (film) |
| Electrical conductivity | Insulating | Moderate to good | Good | Highest |
| Usual form | Powder, dispersion, paste | Powder, dispersion | Powder, dispersion, paste | Film on copper, Si/SiO2, quartz, PET |
| Typical use | Membranes, composites, functionalisation | Energy storage, conductive composites | Fillers and additives | Electronics, sensors |
How to choose
- Need a stable water dispersion or a surface you can functionalise? Choose graphene oxide.
- Need conductivity in an electrode or composite at reasonable cost? Choose reduced graphene oxide or graphene nanoplatelets.
- Need a continuous, high-quality layer on a substrate? Choose CVD graphene.
Browse graphene and graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets and CVD graphene, or the full graphene range.
Frequently asked questions
Is graphene oxide conductive?
No. GO is electrically insulating because its oxygen groups disrupt the conjugated carbon network. Conductivity returns when it is reduced to rGO.
Can graphene oxide be reduced in the lab?
Yes. GO is routinely reduced chemically (for example with ascorbic acid), thermally or electrochemically. The route chosen affects the remaining oxygen content and the conductivity of the rGO.
Is reduced graphene oxide the same as graphene?
Not exactly. rGO approaches graphene but retains residual oxygen and lattice defects, so its conductivity is lower than that of pristine or CVD graphene.
How do I get graphene or graphene oxide price in India?
Send the form, grade and quantity you need through our contact page. Chemazone India supplies research and bulk quantities across India.