In this paper, we propose a facile approach to the management of graphene oxide (GO) chemistry via its synthesis using KMnO₄/K₂Cr₂O₇ oxidizing agents at different ratios. Using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, we show that the number of basal-plane and edge-located oxygenic groups can be controllably tuned by altering the KMnO₄/K₂Cr₂O₇ ratio. The linear two-fold reduction in the number of the hydroxyls and epoxides with the simultaneous three-fold rise in the content of carbonyls and carboxyls is indicated upon the transition from KMnO₄ to K₂Cr₂O₇ as a predominant oxidizing agent. The effect of the oxidation mixture’s composition on the structure of the synthesized GOs is also comprehensively studied by means of X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, optical microscopy, and the laser diffraction method. The nanoscale corrugation of the GO platelets with the increase of the K₂Cr₂O₇ content is signified, whereas the 10–100 μm lateral size, lamellar, and defect-free structure is demonstrated for all of the synthesized GOs regardless of the KMnO₄/K₂Cr₂O₇ ratio. The proposed method for the synthesis of GO with the desired chemistry opens up new horizons for the development of graphene-based materials with tunable functional properties.

Detonation nanodiamond is a commercially available synthetic diamond that is obtained from the carbon of explosives. It is known that the average particle size of detonation nanodiamond is 4–6 nm. However, it is possible to separate smaller particles. Here we suggest a new approach for the effective separation of detonation nanodiamond particles by centrifugation of a “hydrosol/glycerol” system. The method allows for the production of the detonation nanodiamond hydrosol with a very sharp distribution in size, where more than 85% of particles have a size ranging 1–4 nm. The result is supported by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering.

A new method of using the detonation nanodiamond with positive and negative zeta potential as a spacer for aerogels based on graphene oxide is presented. It is shown that the dosed addition of detonation nanodiamonds' particles to the suspension of graphene oxide hydrosol made it possible to triple the specific surface area of the resulting aerogel compared to graphene oxide aerogel, and this effect is more significant when nanodiamonds with a positive zeta potential are used. It was also shown that aerogels derived from graphene oxide and detonation nanodiamond with a positive zeta potential have a specific morphology with graphene oxide platelets being twisted. This effect is discussed in terms of the change in the average zeta potential of the initial mixtures. Keywords: two-component systems, carbon materials, colloid chemistry.