Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Functionalization and Dispersion of Carbon Nanomaterials Using an Environmentally Friendly Ultrasonicated Ozonolysis Process
Published on: May 30, 2017
Additive-Free Edge-Functionalized Graphene Dough
Ashley Walker1,2,3, Shaikh Nayeem Faisal1,4, Gregory Ryder2
1ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science and the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
None:
The exploitation of graphene's extraordinary properties depends on finding new ways to synthesize and process it without disrupting its fundamental structure. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of highly processable and dispersible edge-functionalized graphene (EFG) directly from graphite by a combination of selective oxidation and physical exfoliation. Microscopy and spectral characterization reveals few-layer graphene nanoplatelets with defect-free basal planes and carboxylate and phenolic edge-functionalization. Its defect-free nature is reflected in its high conductivity (900 S cm-1). The EFG has excellent dispersibility (100 mg mL-1) in aqueous and organic solvents and forms a soft graphene dough that can be molded to any geometric shape. The dried dough can readily reabsorb a wide variety of solvents indicative of a highly porous and amphiphilic material. The unique properties of the graphene dough are demonstrated with the formation of a 3D-printed conductive scaffold, a printed circuit on paper, and the fabrication of a paramagnetic graphene dough. Significantly, free-standing and 3D-printed supercapacitors can be fabricated from ionic liquid-impregnated dough that gives an excellent gravimetric capacitance of 210 F g-1 and a high energy density of 262.5 Wh Kg-1. This high capacitance is synonymous with efficient pore utilisation during charge storage and supports the unique amphiphilic, nanoporous EFG structure.
Related Concept Videos
Functional Groups
Introduction to Functional Groups
Functional groups are group of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups are found along the carbon backbone of macromolecules can form chains or rings of carbon atoms. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of common functional groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry. (The...
Overview of Advanced Functional Groups
Functional groups are groups of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and are sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of Advanced Functional Groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry.
Functional Groups
Overview of Functional Groups
Surface Active Agents

