Facile Synthesis of Graphene Nanosheets <i>via</i> Fe Reduction of Exfoliated Graphite Oxide

The synthesis of graphene nanosheets from graphite oxide typically involves harmful chemical reductants that are undesirable for most practical applications of graphene. Here, we demonstrate a green and facile approach to the synthesis of graphene nanosheets based on Fe reduction of exfoliated graphite oxide, resulting in a substantial removal of oxygen functionalities of the graphite oxide. More interestingly, the resulting graphene nanosheets with residual Fe show a high adsorption capacity of 111.62 mg/g for methylene blue at room temperature, as well as easy magnetic separation from the solution. This approach offers a potential for cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and large-scale production of graphene nanosheets.