Understanding the different forms of graphene and their unique characteristics
Single atomic layer of sp²-bonded carbon with exceptional carrier mobility and electrical/thermal properties. The most pristine form of graphene with unique quantum properties.
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Graphene-based materials: Synthesis, characterization, properties, and applicationsHuang et al. (2011) • 10,000+ citations
Plate-like multilayer graphene particles (2-10 layers) used as fillers and conductive additives. Commercial product form with excellent mechanical reinforcement properties.
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Graphene-based nanocomposites: Synthesis, mechanical properties, and characterizationsIbrahim et al. (2021) • 580+ citations
Graphene sheets decorated with oxygen-containing groups (hydroxyl, epoxy, carboxyl) produced by oxidation/exfoliation of graphite. Hydrophilic and chemically tunable.
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Graphene oxide synthesis, properties and characterization techniques: A comprehensive reviewTrikkaliotis et al. (2021) • 1,200+ citations
GO after chemical or thermal reduction. Retains some defects/functional groups and is commonly used as a scalable graphene-like material with improved conductivity.
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Graphene oxide and based materials: Synthesis, properties, and applicationsFarooq et al. (2024) • 850+ citations
Free-standing porous 3D architectures (foam, aerogel, hydrogel) used for electrodes, mechanical scaffolds and adsorption applications with high surface area.
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Graphene: Synthesis, properties, and phenomenaRao & Sood (2012) • 5,000+ citations
Ultra-small graphene fragments (<10 nm) with quantum confinement effects and unique optical properties for bioimaging and optoelectronic applications.
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Synthesis, characterization, and applications of graphene and derivativesSeekaew et al. (2019) • 380+ citations
Mechanical Strength
200x stronger than steel at only 1 atom thick (130 GPa tensile strength)
Electrical Conductivity
Exceptional electron mobility up to 200,000 cm²/V·s at room temperature
Thermal Conductivity
Superior heat conduction (5,000 W/m·K) - better than diamond
Surface Area
Enormous specific surface area up to 2,630 m²/g
Chemical Stability
Excellent corrosion resistance and chemical inertness
Optical Transparency
97.7% light transmittance despite being electrically conductive
Narrow strips with edge-dependent properties
Large-area films grown on metal substrates
Directly patterned by laser scribing
Mechanically separated graphitic flakes
Macroscopic paper-like assembled films
Crosslinked graphene coatings
Chemically modified for specific uses
Combined with metal/oxide nanoparticles
This classification is based on comprehensive analysis of 240+ peer-reviewed papers from leading databases. The research identifies 21+ distinct forms of graphene materials.