Production and stability of mechanochemically exfoliated graphene in water and culture media. Issue 30 (14th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: León, V.; González-Domínguez, J. M.; Fierro, J. L. G.; Prato, M.; Vázquez, E.
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 8:Issue 30(2016)
• Page Start: 14548
• Page End: 14555
• Publication Date: 2016-07-14
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03246j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : To prepare graphene in water is a highly desired goal for biological and medicinal studies. Here we show that freeze-dried graphene powders prepared by ball milling treatments may be easily reverted to aqueous suspensions, including in cell culture media, without damaging its structure. Such a step forward uncovers the potential benefits (and drawbacks) that should be paid attention to. Abstract : The preparation of graphene suspensions in water, without detergents or any other additives is achieved using freeze-dried graphene powders, produced by mechanochemical exfoliation of graphite. These powders of graphene can be safely stored or shipped, and promptly dissolved in aqueous media. The suspensions are relatively stable in terms of time, with a maximum loss of ∼25% of the initial concentration at 2 h. This work provides an easy and general access to aqueous graphene suspensions of chemically non-modified graphene samples, an otherwise (almost) impossible task to achieve by other means. A detailed study of the stability of the relative dispersions is also reported.