Synthesis of functionalized few layer graphene via electrochemical expansion
Name
943060711-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
2.02 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
344558858348b4a8d545269da9c39df5
Author(s)
Jeon, Intak
Advisor(s)
Timothy M. Swager.
Date Issued
2015
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Single layer graphene is a nearly transparent two-dimensional honeycomb sp2 hybridized carbon lattice, and has received immense attention for its potential application in next-generation electronic devices, composite materials, and energy storage devices. This attention is a result of its desirable and intriguing electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties. However, mass production of high-quality, solution-processable graphene via a simple low-cost method remains a major challenge. Recently, electrochemical exfoliation of graphite has attracted attention as an easy, fast, and environmentally friendly approach to the production of high-quality graphene. This route solution phase approach complements the original micromechanical cleavage production of high quality graphite samples and also involved a chemically activated intermediate state that facilitates functionalization. In this thesis we demonstrate a highly efficient electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in organic solvent containing tetraalkylammonium salts, avoiding oxidation of graphene and the associated defect generation encountered with the broadly used Hummer's method. The expansion and charging of the graphite by intercalation of cations facilitates the functionalization of the graphene basal surfaces. Electrochemically enhanced diazonium functionalization of the expanded graphite was performed. The exfoliated graphene platelets were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, to quantify defect states and the degree of exfoliation. Additional microscopy techniques provided additional insight into the chemical state and structure of the graphene sheets.
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 2015.
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 59-62).
Subjects
Materials Science and Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Materials Science and Engineering
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