Graphene solutions

Abstract

Thermodynamics drive the spontaneous dissolution of a graphite intercalation compound (GIC) KC(8) in NMP to form stable solutions. Reduction potential of graphene is measured at +22 mV vs. SCE. Single layer graphene flakes (ca. 1 μm(2)) have been unambiguously identified by electron diffraction.

Size selection of dispersed, exfoliated graphene flakes by controlled centrifugation

“…A number of types of exfoliation process exist with two examples being oxidation of graphite to give graphene oxide (GO) [2][3][4][5][6] and sonication-assisted exfoliation of graphite followed by stabilisation using special solvents or surfactants/stabilisers. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] One advantage of GO based dispersion is that the flakes tend to be predominately monolayers. However, the oxidisation process tends to introduce large quantities of structural defects which shift the physical properties away from pristine graphene.…”

Probing the charging mechanisms of carbon nanomaterial polyelectrolytes

“…1. Fullerene (C 60 ), SWCNT and graphene polyelectrolyte anions, known as fulleride, nanotubide and graphenide species, respectively, can be generated following reduction using alkali metal/liquid NH 3 , 5-8 alkali metal naphthalide/tetrahydrofuran (THF), 9,10 or electrochemically in non-aqueous electrolytes. 11 In addition, electrochemical oxidation was recently demonstrated to generate nanotube cations, known as nanotubium species.…”

Optical signatures of bulk and solutions of KC8 and KC24

“…The solution has been prepared according to literature. 1 Intercaled compounds are dissolved at room temperature in N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP) or TetraHydroFuran (THF) under inert atmosphere and stirring. Then, mild centrifugation is used to remove insoluble material.…”