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High-concentration graphene dispersion stabilized by block copolymers in ethanol
Suguna Perumal1, Hyang Moo Lee1, In Woo Cheong1
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, Buk-gu, Daehak-ro 80, Daegu 41566, South Korea.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|March 14, 2017
Summary
This study shows poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PEO-b-PVP) creates stable graphene dispersions with fewer defects. This method achieves high graphene concentrations from both graphite and reduced graphene oxide.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Liquid-phase exfoliation is a key method for producing graphene.
- Amphiphilic block copolymers are promising stabilizers for graphene dispersions.
- Controlling graphene quality and dispersion stability is crucial for applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of different amphiphilic diblock copolymers for preparing stable graphene dispersions.
- To investigate the impact of copolymer block composition on graphene quality and dispersion stability.
- To determine the maximum achievable graphene concentrations using optimized copolymer stabilizers.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PEO-b-PS, PEO-b-PVP, and PEO-b-PPy block copolymers via Steglich coupling and RAFT polymerization.
- Liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite (G) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using the synthesized copolymers.
- On-line turbidity measurements to assess dispersion stability.
- Raman spectroscopy to analyze graphene defect levels.
- Gravimetric analysis to determine graphene concentration.
Main Results:
- PEO-b-PVP demonstrated superior performance in stabilizing graphene dispersions compared to PEO-b-PS and PEO-b-PPy.
- Graphene dispersions stabilized with PEO-b-PVP exhibited significantly fewer defects, as confirmed by Raman analysis.
- Turbidity measurements indicated enhanced stability for graphene dispersions prepared with PEO-b-PVP.
- Gravimetric analysis confirmed high graphene concentrations: up to 1.7 mg/mL from G and 1.8 mg/mL from rGO using PEO-b-PVP within one week.
- Differences in block unit adhesion to graphene and copolymer solubility in ethanol influenced dispersion stability.
Conclusions:
- Amphiphilic diblock copolymers, particularly PEO-b-PVP, are effective for high-quality graphene dispersion via liquid-phase exfoliation.
- The choice of block copolymer significantly impacts graphene dispersion stability and defect concentration.
- Understanding the interactions between copolymer blocks and graphene surface is key to optimizing dispersion processes.
