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Rolling up graphene oxide sheets through solvent-induced self-assembly in dispersions
Bo Tang1, Zhiyuan Xiong, Xiawei Yun
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE), Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China. wxg-dce@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn.
Nanoscale
|February 14, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to create graphene oxide (GO) nanoscrolls using self-assembly. This technique offers a scalable approach for applications in energy storage and sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising material due to its unique properties.
- Developing scalable fabrication methods for nanostructures is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a facile and scalable method for fabricating graphene oxide (GO) nanoscrolls.
- To characterize the structural properties of the synthesized GO nanoscrolls.
- To explore potential applications of GO nanoscrolls in optical devices.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets in an aqueous dispersion.
- Induction of nanoscroll formation by dropwise addition of organic solvents like N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF).
- Characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine size, interlayer spacing, and scroll structure.
Main Results:
- GO nanoscrolls were successfully fabricated through a piece-by-piece rolling-up mechanism.
- TEM analysis revealed an average nanoscroll diameter of 242 ± 102 nm with an interlayer spacing of 0.58 nm.
- Doping azo molecular glass with GO nanoscrolls significantly enhanced diffraction efficiency, indicating potential for optical devices.
Conclusions:
- A simple and scalable method for GO nanoscroll fabrication via solvent-induced self-assembly has been established.
- The synthesized GO nanoscrolls exhibit controllable structural characteristics.
- GO nanoscrolls show promise for applications in optical devices, sensors, and supercapacitors.
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