Colloidal graphite/graphene nanostructures using collagen showing enhanced thermal conductivity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphene (G) offers remarkable properties but faces challenges in biocompatible applications.
• Developing safe and scalable methods for graphene production is crucial for its widespread use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a biomimetic exfoliation process of natural graphite (GR) into graphene nanostructures using collagen (CL).
• To characterize the resulting graphene-collagen (G/CL) nanocomposite and evaluate its properties for potential biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Biomimetic exfoliation of graphite using collagen in acetic acid.
• Characterization using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, photoluminescence, fluorescence, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.
• Morphological and structural analysis via Differential Interference Contrast microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy.
• Thermal conductivity measurements of the G/CL colloid.

Main Results:

• A stable colloidal dispersion of graphene nanostructures exfoliated by collagen was successfully produced.
• Characterization confirmed the interaction and intercalation of collagen within graphene layers.
• Average graphene flake size was 350 nm with ≤ five layers.
• A ~17% enhancement in thermal conductivity was observed at a low graphene volume fraction.

Conclusions:

• Collagen provides a safe, scalable, and biomimetic route for graphene exfoliation and functionalization.
• The resulting graphene-collagen nanocomposite exhibits promising properties for biocompatible applications.
• This method may enhance the utility of graphene in medical fields, including drug delivery and thermal ablation.