A research collaboration between the University of Adelaide, Australia and the National Physical Laboratory has developed a proven analytical tool, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), for the characterization and quality control of FLG and non-graphene impurities in powder form . TGA is commonly used to evaluate and characterize the thermal properties and impurities of minerals, polymers, and carbon materials. However, it has been found to have the potential to be used as a characterization tool for adjusting the quality of graphene materials.

Now, this economical, simple and reliable analytical method can be used to improve the quality control measures used in the graphene industry.

This research led by Farzaneh Farivar illustrates the effectiveness of using TGA for qualitative and quantitative analysis of graphene materials, which may be the basis for quality control of these materials on the market and further reduce the spread of "false graphene".

TGA is a thermal analysis method that can evaluate changes in physical and chemical properties by increasing temperature. The team’s research helped establish a baseline for the TGA and first derivative (DTG) characteristics of bulk graphene powder, and set specific analysis parameters for reliable quality control of graphene materials. The team used samples such as FLG, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphene oxide (GO) to identify the difference between FLG and "false graphene".

The study shows that FLG, graphene oxide and graphite powder have unique pattern peaks, and it is found that the temperature of the maximum mass decomposition rate is within a specific range. The use of TGA can quantify the structural, chemical and thermal differences between different powders, which further demonstrates the effectiveness of using this analytical method as a quality control tool.

Using this method, graphene manufacturers can ensure that the industrially produced graphene powder they trade meets the quality regulations for graphene materials, rather than "fake graphene," ensuring that the product retains the appropriate properties of graphene.

Quality control methods such as TGA are an economical and reliable method used by small startups trying to disrupt the graphene industry. This regulatory approach can be added to the current guidance provided by ISO to ensure that "fake graphene" materials will not exceed this new market, hindering the development of the graphene industry and the progress of the entire technology.