One-pot synthesis of large scale graphene nanosheets from graphite–liquid crystal composite via thermal treatment

Abstract

An easy and cost effective route for mass production of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) is an essential requirement for design of different sensors, conductive composites and future nanoelectronic devices. Scalable and large area GNSs were synthesized by a thermal treatment of a graphite-ionic liquid crystal composite as a starting material. This composite was heated in a furnace with a flow of argon gas at 700 C for 1 h. Intercalation of ionic liquid crystals between graphite layers, their decomposition and evolution of gases assist in exfoliation of graphite and separation of layers. The proposed method extends the scope for production of high-quality, high-yield, unoxidized and defects free GNSs for a wide range of applications. The ability to produce bulk GNSs from a graphitic precursor with an easy and relatively low-cost approach can propel us to real-world applications of GNSs.

Interlayer catalytic exfoliation realizing scalable production of large-size pristine few-layer graphene

“…The resulting graphene layers are characterized by thin layers and large lateral size, in contrast to the thicker and small graphene platelets produced by the thermal and microwave expansion1718. High purity of the produced FLG ensures the stability and exceptional lithium-storage capacity, as opposed to the poor cyclic stability and reversible specific capacity of the previously reported rGOs19.…”

Exfoliation of Graphite into Graphene in Polar Solvents Mediated by Amphiphilic Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene

“…[11] However, GO is an insulator because various oxygen functionalities are introduced on graphene during the chemical oxidation of graphite. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] A suitable molecular structure for intercalation within graphitic layers, efficient p-p interaction for stabilizing the exfoliated graphene, and a surface energy compatible with the solvent are important factors in the selection of surfactants. Therefore, structural defects result in low conductivity of reduced GO compared with that of intact graphene.…”

Synthesis of few layer graphene by direct exfoliation of graphite and a Raman spectroscopic study

“…However, it is usually necessary to transfer the sample on to other substrates in order to make useful devices. 7,8 By considering the application of graphene in various areas, there has been a significant interest on the development of large-scale production methods. 9 At present, graphite exfoliation method is widely obtained by chemical reduction of graphite oxide (GO), which was obtained by oxidation of graphite to GO using strong oxidizing agent (Hummer's method).…”