Heterostructures based on combining two-dimensional (2D) crystals in one stack have unusual physical properties and allow the creation of novel devices. Although this method of mechanically transferring individual 2D crystals is required for precise control, it is not scalable. Large-scale fabrication of heterostructures remains a key challenge for practical applications.Here, we provide a simple solution-based method using electrostatic interaction assembly of boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene to produce hybrid films with van der Waals heterostructures. The hybrid films prepared by this fabrication method tend to be alternately stacked and provide compact structured films. For a potential application, the h-BN/graphene hybrid films are fabricated supercapacitor's electrodes revealing high volumetric capacitance, superior rate capability, a permanent life cycle, and high flexibility due to their synergistic effects. We anticipate that the hybrid films are useful as scalable flexible electrodes in supercapacitors, and our solution-based method has great potential for application in energy storage and electronics.
Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), the most important mass‐produced graphene, are fabricated as a mechanical reinforcement for epoxy matrix nanocomposites. Current performance of GNPs as a reinforcing filler is limited by their agglomeration and weak interfacial interaction with certain polymer matrices. Herein, an approach to produce noncovalently functionalized GNPs (F‐GNPs) is reported that can be extended to the industrial level of mass production. The one‐step functionalization process uses melamine, a low‐cost chemical, to improve the interfacial adhesion and dispersion in an epoxy matrix. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared with the F‐GNP flakes are much better (94.3% and 35.3% enhancements in Young's modulus and tensile strength, respectively) than those of the unfilled pure epoxy. Experimental data are analyzed using the Halpin–Tsai model. The fabrication process developed in this paper provides a strategy to use GNPs at the industrial level in lightweight and high‐strength structural applications.
a b s t r a c tZrO 2 -based composites reinforced with 6.5 vol.% of carbon foam, carbon fiber, and graphite were fabricated using spark plasma sintering, and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Their thermal properties were also investigated. The microstructures of the reinforced composites showed that carbon fiber fully reacted with ZrO 2 , whereas carbon foam and graphite did not. The carbothermal reaction of carbon fiber had a negative effect on the thermal properties of the reinforced ZrO 2 composites because of the formation of zirconium oxycarbide. Meanwhile, the addition of carbon foam had a positive effect, increasing the thermal conductivity from 2.86 to 3.38 W m À1 K À1 at 1,100 C.These findings suggest that the homogenous distribution and chemical stability of reinforcement material affect the thermal properties of ZrO 2 -based composites.
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