Van-der-Waals-forces-modulated graphene-P-phenyl-graphene carbon allotropes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Graphene's unique 2D structure offers exceptional properties.
• Synthesizing high-performance graphene composites with good conductivity and ionic mobility is difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a new graphene allotrope, Graphene-P-phenyl-Graphene, for improved electronic and energy storage applications.
• To demonstrate the material's stability, scalability, and performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Graphene-P-phenyl-Graphene by inserting p-phenyl bridges between graphene layers.
• Verification of thermal and dynamic stability using density functional theory and molecular dynamics.
• Characterization of electronic and ionic transport properties.

Main Results:

• Graphene-P-phenyl-Graphene exhibits a swollen layer spacing (~0.56 nm) due to p-phenyl bridges, reducing inter-layer forces.
• Achieved high Hall mobility (10,000-13,000 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹) in freestanding films.
• Demonstrated suitability for rapid ion storage and transport, with high performance in potassium-ion batteries.

Conclusions:

• Graphene-P-phenyl-Graphene is a thermally and dynamically stable material producible at scale.
• The material's structure facilitates high electron mobility and efficient ion transport.
• This novel graphene allotrope offers potential for high-performance electronics and energy storage.