Method of producing graphene and other carbon materials

The invention provides methods for the combustion synthesis (CS) of graphene by a novel exothermic self-sustained reaction between a refractory ceramic compound and a carbon-containing polymer under an inert gas atmosphere. The synthesis of graphene was confirmed by both transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The graphene produced has very low (<1 wt. %) oxygen content. Fluorocarbon gases released due to decomposition of the carbon-containing polymer in the combustion wave can reduce the ceramic to a gas and mesoporous carbon particles and graphene layers. The method does not require an external energy source because it occurs in a self-sustained synergetic manner after ignition. The methods are flexible in terms of tuning the synthesis conditions for desired products, and the method can be scaled to provide kilogram quantities.