Graphene-based nanomaterials have attracted wide attention due to their extraordinary electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Combination of these extraordinary properties makes graphene one of the “hottest” materials and motivates the scientific community to explore many potential future applications such as energy-related devices; ultracapacitors, Li-ion batteries, solar cells and catalysis. However, two important issues need to be solved to realize the use of graphene and its derivatives in those future applications: a) bulk preparation of high quality graphene-based nanomaterials and b) functionalization and incorporation of these materials into devices.
To tackle these two issues we have thoroughly investigated graphene nanoribbons – a high aspect ratio graphene subclass material. We have developed the “one-pot” method that can yield bulk quantities of easily processable final graphene materials. Pristine graphene materials are very difficult to disperse, thus functionalization is generally required. The method enables selective functionalization with various functional groups without disturbing electrical properties of the graphene sheets. The greatest results were obtained with commercially available carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which were converted into a graphene nanoribbon stacks (GNRs). The wet chemistry approach that was developed, yielded polymer-edge functionalized graphene nanoribbon stacks (P-GNRs)1 or alkyl-edge functionalized graphene nanoribbon stacks (A-GNRs).2 Edge alkylation greatly improved solubility in organic solvents without sacrifizing single ribbon conductivity. Although single ribbons are conductive and soluble materials, the bulk conductivity might differ considerably as a percolation network must be formed. To enhance bulk conductivity of A-GNRs, iron was intercalated between graphene nanoribbon stacks.3 Iron intercalated and alkyl-edge-functionalized graphene nanoribbon stacks (Fe@A-GNRs) were then aligned in a magnetic field. We have shown that the aligned dispersions enhanced electrical percolation at given concentrations in previously non-conductive solvents. Further, this method is a cost-effective and potentially industrially scalable.
(1) Lu, W.; Ruan, G.; Genorio, B.; Zhu, Y.; Novosel, B.; Peng, Z.; Tour, J. M. ACS Nano 2013.
(2) Genorio, B.; Lu, W.; Dimiev, A. M.; Zhu, Y.; Raji, A.-R. O.; Novosel, B.; Alemany, L. B.; Tour, J. M. ACS Nano 2012, 6, 4231–4240.
(3) Genorio, B.; Peng, Z.; Lu, W.; Hoelscher, B. K. P.; Novosel, B. J.; Tour, J. M. ACS Nano 2012, 6, 10396–10404.
Ključne reči :
Tematska oblast:
SIMPOZIJUM A: Nauka materije, kondenzovane materije
Datum:
06.06.2013.
Br. otvaranja:
495
Contemporary Materials - 2013 - Savremeni materijali
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