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Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons via Origami-Like Self-Folding
Published on: September 23, 2018
Layer-by-layer self-assembly of graphene nanoplatelets
Jianfeng Shen1, Yizhe Hu, Chen Li
1Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|March 11, 2009
Summary
Graphene nanoplatelets were modified and assembled into multilayer films using the layer-by-layer method. This technique enables the creation of uniform, graphene-containing films through electrostatic interactions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) offer unique properties but require surface modification for controlled assembly.
- Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly is a versatile technique for fabricating multilayered nanostructures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for self-assembling graphene nanoplatelets into multilayer structures.
- To functionalize graphene surfaces to enable controlled electrostatic assembly.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of graphene nanoplatelets with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(acryl amide) (PAAm) via covalent bonding.
- Layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly utilizing electrostatic interactions between charged graphene.
- Characterization using Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Successful covalent modification of graphene surfaces, introducing negative (PAA) and positive (PAAm) charges.
- Demonstration of self-assembly of charged graphene nanoplatelets into multilayer structures via electrostatic attraction.
- Confirmation of uniform film growth and feasibility of the LBL method for graphene-based films using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
Conclusions:
- The LBL method, combined with surface functionalization, provides an effective route for fabricating multilayered graphene structures.
- The electrostatic self-assembly approach allows for controlled and uniform deposition of graphene nanoplatelets.
- This method holds potential for creating advanced graphene-containing films for various applications.

