Common
Covalent bulk functionalization of graphene
Graphene, a truly two-dimensional and fully π-conjugated honeycomb carbon network, is currently evolving into the most promising successor to silicon in micro- and nanoelectronic applications.
However, its wider application is impeded by the difficulties in
opening a bandgap in its gapless band-structure, as well as the lack of
processability in the resultant intrinscially insoluble material.
Covalent chemical modification of the π-electron system is capable of
addressing both of these issues through the introduction of variable
chemical decoration. Although there has been significant research
activity in the field of functionalized graphene, most work to date has
focused on the use of graphene oxide. In this Article, we report on the
first wet chemical bulk functionalization route beginning with pristine
graphite that does not require initial oxidative damage of the graphene
basal planes. Through effective reductive activation, covalent
functionalization of the charged graphene is achieved by organic
diazonium salts. Functionalization was observed spectroscopically, and
successfully prevents reaggregation while providing solubility in
common organic media.
For more information please contact:
Prof. Dr. Andreas Hirsch
Phone: +49 (0)9131/85-22537
E-Mail: andreas.hirsch@chemie.uni-erlangen.de
Jan Englert
Phone: +49 (0)911/950918-27
E-Mail: jan.englert@chemie.uni-erlangen.de
Source: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
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