Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile material with applications in various fields, but its instability poses challenges in product management. This study investigates the transient chemical and structural changes in GO during ripening, revealing three distinct states: intrinsic, metastable, and transient. These states are identified using UV-Vis absorption spectra and characterized by changes in oxygen functional groups, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The intrinsic state, stable for only 5 days at 298 K, can be stabilized by storing GO dispersions below 255 K or adding ammonium peroxysulfate. The metastable state, observed at higher temperatures, exhibits a blue-shift in the π-π* transition peak, while the transient state transforms into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The study also explores methods to suppress the conversion of the intrinsic state to the metastable state, such as freezing and adding ammonium peroxysulfate. These findings enhance the understanding and control of GO's instability, paving the way for more stable GO colloids and broader applications.Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile material with applications in various fields, but its instability poses challenges in product management. This study investigates the transient chemical and structural changes in GO during ripening, revealing three distinct states: intrinsic, metastable, and transient. These states are identified using UV-Vis absorption spectra and characterized by changes in oxygen functional groups, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The intrinsic state, stable for only 5 days at 298 K, can be stabilized by storing GO dispersions below 255 K or adding ammonium peroxysulfate. The metastable state, observed at higher temperatures, exhibits a blue-shift in the π-π* transition peak, while the transient state transforms into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The study also explores methods to suppress the conversion of the intrinsic state to the metastable state, such as freezing and adding ammonium peroxysulfate. These findings enhance the understanding and control of GO's instability, paving the way for more stable GO colloids and broader applications.