pH dependent isotropic to nematic phase transitions in graphene oxide dispersions reveal droplet liquid crystalline phases

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Jun 25;50(50):6668-71. doi: 10.1039/c4cc00970c.

Abstract

Size fractionation, amplified by the surface charge density of graphene oxide (GO) sheets, broadens the pH dependent isotropic (I) to nematic (N) phase transition in aqueous dispersions of graphene oxide (GO). In this biphasic region, a highly organized droplet nematic phase of uniform size (20 ± 2.8 μm diameter) with an isotropic interior is observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Liquid Crystals / chemistry*
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Phase Transition*
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Oxides
  • Solvents
  • Graphite