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Synthesis and Functionalization of 3D Nano-graphene Materials: Graphene Aerogels and Graphene Macro Assemblies
Published on: November 5, 2015
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Unifying Principles of the Reductive Covalent Graphene Functionalization
Gonzalo Abellán1,2, Milan Schirowski1,2, Konstantin F Edelthalhammer1,2
1Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Organic Chemistry , Henkestrasse 42, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|March 22, 2017
Summary
Graphene derivatives were synthesized using reductive routes. Alkyl iodides yielded the best functionalization results, showing reversible covalent addition and potential for controlled graphene modification.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Graphene derivatives are synthesized via reductive routes using graphite intercalation compounds (GICs).
- Evaluating functionalization degree and homogeneity is crucial for graphene applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare graphene arylation and alkylation using various electrophiles.
- Focus on evaluating the degree of addition and bulk functionalization homogeneity (H_bulk).
- Investigate the reversibility and mechanism of covalent addition chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized graphite intercalation compounds (GICs), specifically KC8.
- Employed statistical Raman spectroscopy (SRS) for homogeneity assessment.
- Used thermogravimetric analysis coupled with FT-IR, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry (TGA/FT-IR/GC/MS) for detailed characterization.
Main Results:
- Graphene functionalization with alkyl iodides provided superior results in addition degree and bulk homogeneity (H_bulk).
- Demonstrated reversible covalent addition chemistry below 200 °C.
- Identified homolytic addend cleavage and dimerization, indicating regioselectivity and lower sheet homogeneity (H_sheet).
Conclusions:
- Reductive alkylation using alkyl iodides is an effective method for graphene functionalization.
- The reversible nature of the covalent addition offers new possibilities for graphene modification.
- Developed the concept for monolayer CVD graphene films, providing insights for future graphene functionalization strategies.
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