Electrochemical alternative to obtain reduced graphene oxide by pulse potential: Effect of synthesis parameters and study of corrosion properties

Two methods to form reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coatings are proposed as simple, rapid and reproducible alternatives to protect 304 L SS substrates. The first route combines traditional Hummers' modified method and pulse electrodeposition technique (-1.6 and -2 V-SCE) whereas with the second one, reduction is obtained by applying the potentiostatic method (-1 to -4 V-SCE) in a solution containing graphite + H2SO4. The electrochemical results show that ERGO coatings can properly protect metallic substrates only when they are obtained with an applied potential of -4 V-SCE. To carry out this process, strong oxidants, extensive water amounts and long reaction times are avoided.