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6. Graphene via Molecule-Assisted Ultrasound- Induced Liquid-Phase Exfoliation: A Supramolecular Approach

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Chemistry of Carbon Nanostructures
This chapter is in the book Chemistry of Carbon Nanostructures

Abstract

Graphene is a two-dimensional (2D) material holding unique optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The combination of these exceptional characteristics makes graphene an ideal model system for fundamental physical and chemical studies as well as technologically ground breaking material for a large range of applications. Graphene can be produced either following a bottom-up or top-down method. The former is based on the formation of covalent networks suitably engineered molecular building blocks undergoing chemical reaction. The latter takes place through the exfoliation of bulk graphite into individual graphene sheets. Among them, ultrasound-induced liquid-phase exfoliation (UILPE) is an appealing method, being very versatile and applicable to different environments and on various substrate types. In this chapter, we describe the recently reported methods to produce graphene via molecule-assisted UILPE of graphite, aiming at the generation of high-quality graphene. In particular, we will focus on the supramolecular approach, which consists in the use of suitably designed organic molecules during the UILPE of graphite. These molecules act as graphene dispersion-stabilizing agents during the exfoliation. This method relying on the joint effect of a solvent and ad hoc molecules to foster the exfoliation of graphite into graphene in liquid environment represents a promising and modular method toward the improvement of the process of UILPE in terms of the concentration and quality of the exfoliated material. Furthermore, exfoliations in aqueous and organic solutions are presented and discussed separately.

Abstract

Graphene is a two-dimensional (2D) material holding unique optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The combination of these exceptional characteristics makes graphene an ideal model system for fundamental physical and chemical studies as well as technologically ground breaking material for a large range of applications. Graphene can be produced either following a bottom-up or top-down method. The former is based on the formation of covalent networks suitably engineered molecular building blocks undergoing chemical reaction. The latter takes place through the exfoliation of bulk graphite into individual graphene sheets. Among them, ultrasound-induced liquid-phase exfoliation (UILPE) is an appealing method, being very versatile and applicable to different environments and on various substrate types. In this chapter, we describe the recently reported methods to produce graphene via molecule-assisted UILPE of graphite, aiming at the generation of high-quality graphene. In particular, we will focus on the supramolecular approach, which consists in the use of suitably designed organic molecules during the UILPE of graphite. These molecules act as graphene dispersion-stabilizing agents during the exfoliation. This method relying on the joint effect of a solvent and ad hoc molecules to foster the exfoliation of graphite into graphene in liquid environment represents a promising and modular method toward the improvement of the process of UILPE in terms of the concentration and quality of the exfoliated material. Furthermore, exfoliations in aqueous and organic solutions are presented and discussed separately.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Contents V
  3. List of Contributors IX
  4. 1. Carbon Nanomembranes 1
  5. 2. Controlled Functionalization of Graphene by Oxo-addends 30
  6. 3. Chemical Synthesis of Cycloparaphenylenes 67
  7. 4. Controlled Chemical Synthesis in CVD Graphene 104
  8. 5. Chemical Functionalization of Graphene Family Members 146
  9. 6. Graphene via Molecule-Assisted Ultrasound- Induced Liquid-Phase Exfoliation: A Supramolecular Approach 173
  10. 7. Solution Synthesis of Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons 194
  11. 8. Nanodiamonds for Biological Applications 226
  12. 9. Polycyclic Hydrocarbons with an Open-Shell Ground State 253
  13. 10. Synthesis and Use of Reactive Molecular Precursors for the Preparation of Carbon Nanomaterials 289
  14. Index 315
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110284645-007

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Contents V
  3. List of Contributors IX
  4. 1. Carbon Nanomembranes 1
  5. 2. Controlled Functionalization of Graphene by Oxo-addends 30
  6. 3. Chemical Synthesis of Cycloparaphenylenes 67
  7. 4. Controlled Chemical Synthesis in CVD Graphene 104
  8. 5. Chemical Functionalization of Graphene Family Members 146
  9. 6. Graphene via Molecule-Assisted Ultrasound- Induced Liquid-Phase Exfoliation: A Supramolecular Approach 173
  10. 7. Solution Synthesis of Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons 194
  11. 8. Nanodiamonds for Biological Applications 226
  12. 9. Polycyclic Hydrocarbons with an Open-Shell Ground State 253
  13. 10. Synthesis and Use of Reactive Molecular Precursors for the Preparation of Carbon Nanomaterials 289
  14. Index 315
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