Exfoliation of two-dimensional (2D) materials into mono- or few layers is of significance for both fundamental studies and potential applications. In this report, for the first time surface tension components were directly probed and matched to predict solvents with effective liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) capability for 2D materials such as graphene, h-BN, WS2, MoS2, MoSe2, Bi2Se3, TaS2, and SnS2. Exfoliation efficiency is enhanced when the ratios of the surface tension components of the applied solvent is close to that of the 2D material in question. We enlarged the library of low-toxic and common solvents for LPE. Our study provides distinctive insight into LPE and has pioneered a rational strategy for LPE of 2D materials with high yield.

In this study, we report an inexpensive, massively scalable, fast, and facile method for preparation of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanoplatelets. The basic strategy involved the preparation of graphite oxide (GO) from graphite through reaction with benzoyl peroxide (BPO), complete exfoliation of GO into graphene oxide sheets, followed by their in situ reduction to reduced graphene oxide nanoplatelets. The mechanism of graphene oxide producing is mainly the generation of oxygencontaining groups on graphene sheets. In addition, inserted BPO and expansion of CO 2 evolved during reaction will expand the distance between graphite layers, which are also main factors for exfoliation. Thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the successful preparation of GO. X-ray diffraction proved the mechanism of intercalation and exfoliation of graphite. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to demonstrate the structure of produced graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanoplatelets.

Rechargeable lithium batteries (RLBs) have revolutionized energy storage technology. However, short lifetime and safety issues have hampered their further commercialization, which is mainly attributable to the unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth. In recent years, research on SEI has been pursued with determination worldwide. However, the structure and composition of the SEI have long been debated. Especially, the role of the main component, LiF, remains elusive. In this review, the structure and composition of SEIs are focused upon and the role of LiF in SEI is further analyzed. To this end, first, the development history of the SEI model is recounted. Second, the fundamental understanding of SEI is recalled. Third, the anode materials that can generate LiF in the SEI are categorized and discussed. Fourth, the characterization techniques of SEI layers are introduced. Fifth, the transport mechanism of Li+ ions within the SEI is discussed. Sixth, the physical properties of LiF are revisited. Seventh, the source of LiF is deeply analyzed. Finally, general conclusions and a perspective on the future research directions for SEI that may promote the large‐scale applications of lithium metal batteries is discussed.

Ongoing interest is focused on aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) for mass‐production energy storage systems as a result of their affordability, safety, and high energy density. Ensuring the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface is of particular importance for prolonging the cycling ability to meet the practical requirements of rechargeable batteries. Zinc anodes exhibit poor cycle life and low coulombic efficiency, stemming from the severe dendrite growth, and irreversible byproducts such as H2 and inactive ZnO. Great efforts have recently been devoted to zinc anode protection for designing high‐performance ZIBs. However, the intrinsic origins of zinc plating/striping are poorly understood, which greatly delay its potential applications. Rather than focusing on battery metrics, this review delves deeply into the underlying science that triggers the deposition/dissolution of zinc ions. Furthermore, recent advances in modulating the zinc coordination environment, uniforming interfacial electric fields, and inducing zinc deposition are highlighted and summarized. Finally, perspectives and suggestions are provided for designing highly stable zinc anodes for the industrialization of the aqueous rechargeable ZIBs in the near future.

An in situ chemical synthesis approach has been employed to prepare an Ag-chemically converted graphene (CCG) nanocomposite. The reduction of graphene oxide sheets was accompanied by generation of Ag nanoparticles. The structure and composition of the nanocomposites were confirmed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction. TEM and AFM results suggest a homogeneous distribution of Ag nanoparticles (5-10 nm in size) on CCG sheets. The intensities of the Raman signals of CCG in such nanocomposites are greatly increased by the attached silver nanoparticles, i.e., there is surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity. In addition, it was found that the antibacterial activity of free Ag nanoparticles is retained in the nanocomposites, which suggests they can be used as graphene-based biomaterials.