Graphene-Pyrene Nanocomposites Obtained Using Azide Chemistry

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Graphene exhibits excellent properties but suffers from poor solubility and processability.
• Covalent functionalization is a key strategy to overcome graphene's limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and fast procedure for the covalent functionalization of pristine graphene.
• To enhance the solubility and solution processability of graphene sheets.

Main Methods:

• Covalent functionalization of graphene using pyrene-terminated alkylazide via thermal radical activation.
• Characterization using optical absorption spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Functionalized graphene showed significantly improved dispersibility in organic solvents (≈60% in CHCl3, ≈1200% in THF).
• The pyrene chromophore confirmed successful grafting and demonstrated the effectiveness of the alkylazide for solubility enhancement.
• Enhanced solution processability and compatibility with solvents or polymers were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a facile route to produce highly soluble and processable graphene derivatives.
• This functionalization strategy is effective even with small amounts of grafting agent.
• The pyrene tag provides a reliable method for monitoring the functionalization process.