Expanded graphite was synthesized by three different routes to produce graphite nanosheets. The synthesis routes were compared with volume expansion of graphite after high temperature heat treatment or microwave irradiation. It was experimentally observed that the volume expansion of graphite, after mixing only with con. sulfuric acid / con. nitric acid mixture and subsequent heat treatment at 930 o C, observed to be maximum (~80%). Optical microscope picture proved the porous structure of acid treated graphite followed by high temperature heat treatment or microwave irradiation. XRD analysis supported crystallite size reduction in treated graphite. FESEM picture proved the formation of graphite nanosheets after high temperature heat treatment.
