Bioinspired Nanocomposites: Ordered 2D Materials Within a 3D Lattice. (30th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giosia, Matteo Di; Polishchuk, Iryna; Weber, Eva; Fermani, Simona; Pasquini, Luca; Pugno, Nicola M.; Zerbetto, Francesco; Montalti, Marco; Calvaresi, Matteo; Falini, Giuseppe; Pokroy, Boaz
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 26:Number 30(2016)
• Page Start: 5569
• Page End: 5575
• Publication Date: 2016-05-30
• Subjects: bioinspired -- fluorescence -- graphene oxide -- mechanical properties -- nanocomposite; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201601318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract : Composites, materials composed of two or more materials—metallic, organic, or inorganic—usually exhibit the combined physical properties of their component materials. The result is a material that is superior to conventional monolithic materials. Advanced composites are used in a variety of industrial applications and therefore attract much scientific interest. Here the formation of novel carbon‐based nanocomposites is described via incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) into the crystal lattice of single crystals of calcite. Incorporation of a 2D organic material into single‐crystal lattices has never before been reported. To characterize the resulting nanocomposites, high‐resolution synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and nanoindentation tests are employed. A detailed analysis reveals a layered distribution of GO sheets incorporated within the calcite host. Moreover, the optical and mechanical properties of the calcite host are altered when a carbon‐based nanomaterial is introduced into its lattice. Compared to pure calcite, the composite GO/calcite crystals exhibits lower elastic modulus and higher hardness. The results of this study show that the incorporation of a 2D material within a 3D crystal lattice is not only feasible but also can lead to the formation of hybrid crystals exhibiting new properties. Abstract : A novel single‐crystalline‐based composite is fabricated through the incorporation of graphene oxide into the crystal lattice of calcite. The material is characterized by state‐of‐the‐art tolls such as high‐resolution aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron diffraction, nanomechanical testing, and optical measurements. In contrast to pure calcite the composite hybrid exhibits fluorescence and enhancement in mechanical properties.