Nanoscale insights into the structure of solution-processed graphene by x-ray scattering. (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Zhengyu; Guimarey, María J G; Parvez, Khaled; Dun, Chaochao; Read, Oliver; Forrest, Thomas; Urban, Jeffrey J; Abdelkader, Amor; Casiraghi, Cinzia; Mirihanage, Wajira
• Is Part Of: 2D materials. Volume 10:Number 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: solution-processed graphene -- x-ray pair distribution function -- atomic structure; Graphene -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; 620.115
• DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/ac9b6f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1583

Abstract

Abstract: Chemical exfoliation is an attractive approach for the synthesis of graphene due to its low cost and simplicity. However, challenges still remain in the characterization of solution-processed graphene, in particular with atomic resolution. Through this work we demonstrate the x-ray pair distribution function as a novel approach to study solution-processed graphene or other 2D materials with atomic resolution, directly in solution, produced by liquid-phase and electrochemical exfoliations. The results show the disappearance of long-range atomic correlations, in both cases, confirming the production of single and few-layer graphene. In addition, a considerable ring distortion has been observed as compared to graphite, irrespective of the solvent used: the normal surface angle to the sheet of the powder sample should be less than 6°, compatible with ripples formation observed in suspended graphene. We attribute this effect to the interaction of solvent molecules with the graphene nanosheets.