High-concentration solvent exfoliation of graphene

Small. 2010 Apr 9;6(7):864-71. doi: 10.1002/smll.200902066.

Abstract

A method is demonstrated to prepare graphene dispersions at high concentrations, up to 1.2 mg mL(-1), with yields of up to 4 wt% monolayers. This process relies on low-power sonication for long times, up to 460 h. Transmission electron microscopy shows the sonication to reduce the flake size, with flake dimensions scaling as t(-1/2). However, the mean flake length remains above 1 microm for all sonication times studied. Raman spectroscopy shows defects are introduced by the sonication process. However, detailed analysis suggests that predominantly edge, rather than basal-plane, defects are introduced. These dispersions are used to prepare high-quality free-standing graphene films. The dispersions can be heavily diluted by water without sedimentation or aggregation. This method facilitates graphene processing for a range of applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Centrifugation
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Particle Size
  • Solvents / chemistry*
  • Sonication / methods*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Time Factors
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Water
  • Carbon