After the oxidation process of graphene was shown to lead to zero conductance (~ 0 μS) based on the electrochemistry, the natural reduction in the graphene oxide behavior resulting in a recovery of the conductance (~ 200 μS) was observed under exposure to ambient conditions during a 24 h period. Furthermore, damage to the graphene oxide surface during the repeated atomic force microscopy scanning process owing to the weakening of the van der Waals force between the oxidized graphene and SiO₂ substrate was characterized. These results provide significant information regarding the remaining time of electrochemical oxidation and the mechanical properties of graphene.

Keywords: Graphene, Reduction, Oxidation, Graphene oxide, Electrochemistry