# Expanding Horizons: Taking Advantage of Graphene's Surface Area for Advanced Applications
## 5 Environmental Concerns in Utilizing the Surface Area of Graphene  
The endeavor to functionalize graphene while retaining its fundamental structural and electrical properties poses significant scientific challenges [68]. These challenges encompass not only the optimization of the functionalization process but also the paramount requirement to maintain the long-term stability of functionalized graphene materials. Several studies [69; 70; 71] have been conducted to overcome these issues during the last few decades. Considerable effort has been dedicated to the creation of high-quality graphene electrodes, reflecting the widespread interest in harnessing their remarkable properties for various applications. [PERSON] et al. [69] effectively analyzed the diverse approaches and made advancements in this field. These materials are excellent resources for researchers and professionals who want to learn about the cutting-edge methods and processes used to create graphene electrodes with exceptional quality and functionality. More details on the difficulties with scalability and the manufacturing techniques are provided below. The current methods for producing high-quality graphene sheets, such as CVD [72; 73; 74] and mechanical exfoliation [75; 76; 77; 78], are often suitable for research but face challenges in scaling up for industrial applications. Achieving uniformity, high yield, and cost-effectiveness in large-scale production remains a significant scientific challenge. Furthermore, adding functional groups to graphene can change its stability even though it can customize its characteristics for particular uses [47; 79; 80]. The scientific challenge lies in optimizing the functionalization process to maintain the desirable properties of graphene while ensuring long-term stability. The potential toxicity of graphene and its derivatives, particularly GO, is a subject of ongoing investigation. Understanding the mechanisms of interaction between graphene and biological systems and elucidating toxicity thresholds and biocompatibility in a precise and quantifiable manner are scientific challenges [81; 82; 83].  
The interaction of graphene with environmental components is a scientific concern. Its increased surface-to-volume ratio can lead to the effective adsorption of environmental pollutants, and the subsequent release of these adsorbed species under varying conditions necessitates in-depth study. Investigating these interactions and their ecological implications is crucial [84; 85; 86; 87]. Table 1 summarizes the increased surface-to-volume ratio of  
Figure 8: **(a)** Illustration of the cell utilized during computations, showing movement direction B within graphene. The locations where lithium adsorbs above the hexagon, between two carbon atoms, and on the highest point of a single carbon atom are denoted by the letters H, M, and T, respectively. **(b)** The criscross graphene nanoribbon is shown, along with the movement direction B toward the side corners. **(c)** Power obstacles for the B movement direction are shown in both graphene and the criscross nanoribbon. The figure was taken from [62] with permission. American Chemical Society, 2010. All rights reserved.  
graphene sheets. This benefit can be used to ensure less toxicity. Scientifically ensuring the purity, uniformity, and quality of G-b materials is a challenge in graphene production. The methods for characterizing and controlling material defects, grain boundaries, and other imperfections require continued scientific investigation [88; 89; 90; 91]. Graphene's exceptional mechanical properties are direction-dependent, and maintaining mechanical strength and durability in real-world applications is a scientific challenge [92; 93; 94]. Understanding the influence of structural defects, environmental conditions, and strain on its mechanical behavior is essential.