This paper presents the first report of the successful ball-milling exfoliation of graphitic filaments (GANF~ carbon nanofibres) into single layer graphene. The addition of small amounts of solvent during the millin...This paper presents the first report of the successful ball-milling exfoliation of graphitic filaments (GANF~ carbon nanofibres) into single layer graphene. The addition of small amounts of solvent during the milling process makes it possible to enhance the intercalation of the exfoliating agent (melamine) between the graphene layers, thus promoting exceptional exfoliation. Advantage has also been taken of the fact that the Hansen solubility parameters of graphene are different from those of carbon fibres, which allows single and few-layer graphene to be suspended in a particular solvent, thus discriminating them from poorly exfoliated carbon nanofibres.展开更多
Graphene has attracted much attention as a new nano-carbon for its unique structure and properties. However, production and dispersion of unfunctionalized graphene are still big challenges. Herein, we demonstrate a si...Graphene has attracted much attention as a new nano-carbon for its unique structure and properties. However, production and dispersion of unfunctionalized graphene are still big challenges. Herein, we demonstrate a simple method for preparation and dispersion of such graphene with low cost and non toxicum. This approach is achieved by exfoliating graphite in an ethanol/water mixture and forming stable dispersion of mono- and few-layer graphenes. The ratio of ethanol/water in the mixture is found to be crucial to both the exfoliation and dispersion processes. Exfoliation in pure water or pure ethanol produces no graphene. This method avoids the conventional use of harsh oxidants and surfactants; therefore, the graphitic structure is well maintained without destruction. Benefiting from the use of ethanol and water, it can be easy to prepare transparent and conductive graphene films by vacuum filtering or spray method, and does not need special post-treatment to remove the impurity, which could be beneficial for potential applications in electronic, optic and energy areas.展开更多
文摘This paper presents the first report of the successful ball-milling exfoliation of graphitic filaments (GANF~ carbon nanofibres) into single layer graphene. The addition of small amounts of solvent during the milling process makes it possible to enhance the intercalation of the exfoliating agent (melamine) between the graphene layers, thus promoting exceptional exfoliation. Advantage has also been taken of the fact that the Hansen solubility parameters of graphene are different from those of carbon fibres, which allows single and few-layer graphene to be suspended in a particular solvent, thus discriminating them from poorly exfoliated carbon nanofibres.
文摘Graphene has attracted much attention as a new nano-carbon for its unique structure and properties. However, production and dispersion of unfunctionalized graphene are still big challenges. Herein, we demonstrate a simple method for preparation and dispersion of such graphene with low cost and non toxicum. This approach is achieved by exfoliating graphite in an ethanol/water mixture and forming stable dispersion of mono- and few-layer graphenes. The ratio of ethanol/water in the mixture is found to be crucial to both the exfoliation and dispersion processes. Exfoliation in pure water or pure ethanol produces no graphene. This method avoids the conventional use of harsh oxidants and surfactants; therefore, the graphitic structure is well maintained without destruction. Benefiting from the use of ethanol and water, it can be easy to prepare transparent and conductive graphene films by vacuum filtering or spray method, and does not need special post-treatment to remove the impurity, which could be beneficial for potential applications in electronic, optic and energy areas.