We report the exfoliation of graphite in aqueous solutions under high shear rate [∼ 108 s–1] turbulent flow conditions, with a 100% exfoliation yield. The material is stabilized without centrifugation at concentrations up to 100 g/L using carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt to formulate conductive printable inks. The sheet resistance of blade coated films is below ∼2Ω/□. This is a simple and scalable production route for conductive inks for large-area printing in flexible electronics.

We present an overview of the main techniques for production and processing of graphene and related materials (GRMs), as well as the key characterization procedures. We adopt a ‘hands-on’ approach, providing practical details and procedures as derived from literature as well as from the authors’ experience, in order to enable the reader to reproduce the results. Section is devoted to ‘bottom up’ approaches, whereby individual constituents are pieced together into more complex structures. We consider graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) produced either by solution processing or by on-surface synthesis in ultra high vacuum (UHV), as well carbon nanomembranes (CNM). Production of a variety of GNRs with tailored band gaps and edge shapes is now possible. CNMs can be tuned in terms of porosity, crystallinity and electronic behaviour. Section covers ‘top down’ techniques. These rely on breaking down of a layered precursor, in the graphene case usually natural crystals like graphite or artificially synthesized materials, such as highly oriented pyrolythic graphite, monolayers or few layers (FL) flakes. The main focus of this section is on various exfoliation techniques in a liquid media, either intercalation or liquid phase exfoliation (LPE). The choice of precursor, exfoliation method, medium as well as the control of parameters such as time or temperature are crucial. A definite choice of parameters and conditions yields a particular material with specific properties that makes it more suitable for a targeted application. We cover protocols for the graphitic precursors to graphene oxide (GO). This is an important material for a range of applications in biomedicine, energy storage, nanocomposites, etc. Hummers’ and modified Hummers’ methods are used to make GO that subsequently can be reduced to obtain reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with a variety of strategies. GO flakes are also employed to prepare three-dimensional (3d) low density structures, such as sponges, foams, hydro- or aerogels. The assembly of flakes into 3d structures can provide improved mechanical properties. Aerogels with a highly open structure, with interconnected hierarchical pores, can enhance the accessibility to the whole surface area, as relevant for a number of applications, such as energy storage. The main recipes to yield graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) are also discussed. GICs are suitable precursors for covalent functionalization of graphene, but can also be used for the synthesis of uncharged graphene in solution. Degradation of the molecules intercalated in GICs can be triggered by high temperature treatment or microwave irradiation, creating a gas pressure surge in graphite and exfoliation. Electrochemical exfoliation by applying a voltage in an electrolyte to a graphite electrode can be tuned by varying precursors, electrolytes and potential. Graphite electrodes can be either negatively or positively intercalated to obtain GICs that are subsequently exfoliated. We also discuss the materials that can be amenable to exfoliation, by ...

Since the discovery of buckminsterfullerene over 30 years ago, sp 2 -hybridised carbon nanomaterials (including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene) have stimulated new science and technology across a huge range of fields. Despite the impressive intrinsic properties, challenges in processing and chemical modification continue to hinder applications. Charged carbon nanomaterials (CCNs), formed via the reduction or oxidation of these carbon nanomaterials, facilitate dissolution, purification, separation, chemical modification, and assembly. This approach provides a compelling alternative to traditional damaging and restrictive liquid phase exfoliation routes. The broad chemistry of CCNs not only provides a versatile and potent means to modify the properties of the parent nanomaterial but also raises interesting scientific issues. This review focuses on the fundamental structural forms: buckminsterfullerene, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and single-layer graphene, describing the generation of their respective charged nanocarbon species, their interactions with solvents, chemical reactivity, specific (opto)electronic properties, and emerging applications. CONTENTS

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are a fundamental family of distinct molecules, each bearing the possibility of different reactivities due to their intrinsically distinct chemical properties. SWNT syntheses generate a heterogeneous mixture of species with varying electronic character, lengths, diameters and helicities, (n,m), as well as other amorphous, graphitic and metal catalyst impurities. In recent years, selective syntheses and post-synthetic separation strategies have advanced, driven by the requirement for pure SWNTs displaying particular features. Covalent surface modifications are widely-used to adapt SWNTs for specific applications with modified solubility, compatibility and specific functionalities. In many cases, such reactions have been found to be selective, illuminating the fundamentally distinct chemistry of each (n,m) species. This differential reactivity has found immediate utility in facilitating the sorting of nanotubes according to specific diameter, electronic properties and, most importantly, helicity. In this tutorial review, we discuss a wide range of selective reactions, the mechanisms that are thought to govern selectivity, and the challenges of separating, characterising and regenerating the modified SWNTs.

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Energy filtering has been a long-sought strategy to enhance a thermoelectric material’s Figure of Merit zT through improving its power factor. Here we show a composite of multi-layer graphene nanoplatelets...

The dissolution of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) remains a fundamental challenge, reliant on aggressive chemistry or ultrasonication and lengthy ultracentrifugation. In contrast, simple nonaqueous electrochemical reduction leads to spontaneous dissolution of individualized SWCNTs from raw, unprocessed powders. The intrinsic electrochemical stability and conductivity of these nanomaterials allow their electrochemical dissolution from a pure SWCNT cathode to form solutions of individually separate and distinct (i.e., discrete) nanotube anions with varying charge density. The integrity of the SWCNT sp² framework during the charge/discharge process is demonstrated by optical spectroscopy data. Other than a reversible change in redox/solvation state, there is no obvious chemical functionalization of the structure, suggesting an analogy to conventional atomic electrochemical dissolution. The heterogeneity of as-synthesized SWCNT samples leads to the sequential dissolution of distinct fractions over time, with fine control over the electrochemical potential. Initial preferential dissolution of defective nanotubes and carbonaceous debris provides a simple, nondestructive means to purify raw materials without recourse to the usual, damaging, competitive oxidation reactions. Neutral SWCNTs can be recovered either by electroplating at an anode or by reaction with a suitable electrophile.

Chemical charging of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphenes to generate soluble salts shows great promise as a processing route for electronic applications, but raises fundamental questions. The reduction potentials of highly-charged nanocarbon polyelectrolyte ions were investigated by considering their chemical reactivity towards metal salts/complexes in forming metal nanoparticles. The redox activity, degree of functionalisation and charge utilisation were quantified via the relative metal nanoparticle content, established using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscop y (ICP-AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The fundamental relati onship between the intrinsic nanocarbon electronic density of states and Coulombic effects during charging is highlighted as an important area for future research.