Abstract: Methods of making graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide are provided. The methods can include a simple one-pot synthesis of graphene oxide from a purified coal powder using a mild oxidizing acid. The methods provide for an improved, more cost-effective, and simpler process than conventional methods such as Hummers methods. In some aspects, placing the purified coal powder in the mild oxidation atmosphere includes contacting the purified coal powder with a mild oxidizing acid such as nitric acid, nitrous acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, benzoic acid, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the mild oxidizing acid consists essentially of nitric acid. Graphene oxides and reduced graphene oxides prepared by the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell wherein carbon nanotubes are impregnated into Korean paper, thereby enhancing electroconductivity, and a gas diffusion layer manufactured thereby. The method for manufacturing a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell which is to manufacture a gas diffusion layer as a constituent member of a unit cell in a fuel cell, includes a support preparation step of preparing a support with Korean paper; a dispersion preparation step of dispersing a carbon substance in a solvent to form a dispersion, a coating step of coating the support with the dispersion, and a thermal treatment step of thermally treating the dispersion-coated support to fix the carbon substance to the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active carbon that includes micropores having a diameter of about 0.5 nm to about 0.8 nm in a content of about 70 vol % to about 90 vol % based on the total volume of the total pores, and has a nitrogen-containing functional group introduced on the surface thereof. Moreover, disclosed is a method for preparing active carbon. The method may include steps of: forming a reaction mixture including a carbon precursor, an alkali salt, and an organic compound including a nitrogen-containing functional group; and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of about 800° C. to about 1000° C. in the presence of nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a graphite powder composite supported by transition metal particles for storing hydrogen, and more specifically, to a method for preparing a graphite powder composite supported by transition metal particles having significantly improved hydrogen storage capacity, by means of introducing the transition metal particles having support capacity and particle diameters which are controlled, of transition metals such as nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and yttrium (Y), to an oxidized graphite powder that is provided with functionality through a chemical surface treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active carbon that includes micropores having a diameter of about 0.5 nm to about 0.8 nm in a content of about 70 vol % to about 90 vol % based on the total volume of the total pores, and has a nitrogen-containing functional group introduced on the surface thereof. Moreover, disclosed is a method for preparing active carbon. The method may include steps of: forming a reaction mixture including a carbon precursor, an alkali salt, and an organic compound including a nitrogen-containing functional group; and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of about 800° C. to about 1000° C. in the presence of nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a graphite powder composite supported by transition metal particles for storing hydrogen, and more specifically, to a method for preparing a graphite powder composite supported by transition metal particles having significantly improved hydrogen storage capacity, by means of introducing the transition metal particles having support capacity and particle diameters which are controlled, of transition metals such as nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and yttrium (Y), to an oxidized graphite powder that is provided with functionality through a chemical surface treatment.