Liquid-Phase Exfoliation of Nanotubes and Graphene
Citation:
Jonathan N. Coleman, Liquid-Phase Exfoliation of Nanotubes and Graphene, Advanced Functional Materials, 19, 23, 2009, 3680 3695Download Item:

Abstract:
Many applications of carbon nanotubes require the exfoliation of the nanotubes to give
individual tubes in the liquid phase. This requires the dispersion, exfoliation and
stabilisation of nanotubes in a variety of liquids. In this paper we review recent work in
this area, focusing on results from the author?s group. We begin by reviewing
stabilisation mechanisms before exploring research into the exfoliation of nanotubes in
solvents, by using surfactants or biomolecules and by covalent attachment of molecules.
The concentration dependence of the degree of exfoliation in each case will be
highlighted. In addition we will discuss research into the dispersion mechanism for each
dispersant type. Most importantly we have compared dispersion quality metrics for all
dispersants. From this analysis, we conclude that functionalised nanotubes can be
exfoliated to the greatest degree. Finally, we review the extension of this work to the
liquid phase exfoliation of graphite to give graphene.
Sponsor
Grant Number
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/colemajDescription:
PUBLISHED
Author: COLEMAN, JONATHAN
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Journal ArticleCollections:
Series/Report no:
Advanced Functional Materials19
23
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