Lithium-assisted exfoliation of pristine graphite for few-layer graphene nanosheets

Minwei Xu, Huiting Sun, Cai Shen, Sen Yang, Wenxiu Que, Yin Zhang, Xiaoping Song

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A lithium-assisted approach has been developed for the exfoliation of pristine graphite, which allows the large-scale preparation of few-layer graphene nanosheets. The process involves an unexpected physical insertion and exfoliation, and the graphene nanosheets prepared by this method reveal undisturbed sp2-hybridized structures. A possible two-step mechanism, which involves the negative charge being trapped around the edges of the graphite layers and a subsequent lithiation process, is proposed to explain the insertion of lithium inside the graphite interlayers. If necessary, the present exfoliation can be repeated and thinner (single or 2–3 layer) graphene can be achieved on a large scale. This simple process provides an efficient process for the exfoliation of pristine graphite, which might promote the future applications of graphene.

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Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)801-807
Number of pages7
JournalNano Research
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • exfoliation
  • few-layer
  • graphene
  • lithium Intercalation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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