Abstract: A method for making graphene comprising the steps of reacting a catalyst with a plurality of source carbon solids; creating a graphene precursor from the reaction of the catalyst with the plurality of source carbon solids; pyrolyzing the graphene precursor; and extracting graphene from the pyrolyzed graphene precursor. Creating a graphene precursor comprises the steps of creating a solution comprising deionized water and the catalyst; reacting the catalyst with the plurality of source carbon solids by mixing the plurality of source carbon solids into the solution comprising deionized water and the catalyst; heating the solution; and stirring the heated mixture until substantially all liquid has evaporated. Pyrolyzing the graphene precursor is done by placing the graphene precursor in a furnace; creating an un-oxidizing environment within the furnace; heating the furnace; and annealing the graphene precursor.