A note on using expanded graphite for achieving energy‐ and time‐efficient production of graphene nanoplatelets via liquid phase exfoliation

Abstract Although easily scalable, the production of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) by means liquid‐phase exfoliation graphite flakes (GF) remains an energy‐ and time‐intensive process. In this work, we demonstrate that significant time energy can be saved in GNP when employing expanded (EG) a surfactant‐assisted liquid phase Owing to its increased interlayer distance, EG accomplished much shorter (<30 min) compared GF (approximately 7 h present case). Moreover, required for is close 80‐fold lower than exfoliation. Monitoring mean lateral dimension, specific surface area, flake‐to‐GNP transition during was performed experimentally using several analytical techniques. The EG‐derived GNPs are produced faster require less GF, thus making it more efficient alternative technique.