Solution-processable graphene nanomeshes with controlled pore structures

Abstract

Graphene nanomeshes (GNMs) which can be cheaply produced on a large scale and processed through wet approaches are important materials for various applications, including catalysis, composites, sensors and energy related systems. Here, we report a method for large scale preparation of GNMs by refluxing reduced graphene oxide sheets in concentrated nitric acid solution (e.g., 8 moles per liter). The diameters of nanopores in GNM sheets can be readily modulated from several to hundreds nanometers by varying the time of acid treatment. The porous structure increased the specific surface areas of GNMs and the transmittances of GNM-based thin films. Furthermore, GNMs have large number of carboxyl groups at the edges of their nanopores, leading to good dispersibility in aqueous media and strong peroxidase-like catalytic activity.

Holey 2D Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Storage

“…For example, porous carbon nanosheets (CNS) prepared by oxidizing GO in HNO 3 media has been reported in the literature. [16,17] It is accepted that the edge-C and defect-C atoms on the GO surface can be detached and removed from the GO sheets with the existence of HNO 3 . Zhao et al fabricated porous carbon mesh by sonicating the GO suspension in diluted HNO 3 followed by the thermal reduction of the resultants.…”

Activation of graphene aerogel with phosphoric acid for enhanced electrocapacitive performance

“…Moreover, recent achievements have also demonstrated that the existence of in-plane nanopores not only improves the electrode utilization efficiency for charge storage, but also promotes the diffusion of electrolyte ion across the graphene 2D basal plane [34,35]. Among various methods, chemical activation of graphene with diverse activation agents, including KOH [36][37][38], metal oxides [32,39], KMnO 4 [40] and concentrated HNO 3 [41] have been successfully utilized to oxidize carbon atoms to produce in-plane nanopores. However, construction of these 2D porous graphene sheets into a macroscopically 3D architecture for practical applications still remains a great challenge [32,42].…”

Solar Exfoliated Graphene and its Application in Supercapacitors and Electrochemical H2O2 Sensing

“…These pores are formed during the solar exfoliation process due to the rapid reaction. The pores play an important role in the proper wetting of the surfaces while in contact with the electrolytes and can avail all the stacked surfaces for the adsorption of the materials [9]. Fig.…”