A method for the production of edge functionalised graphene

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a new method of making dispersible graphene platelets. The structure of the graphene platelet comprises a base layer of graphene on which at least one discontinuous layer of graphene is stacked, with each layer of graphene above the base layer having a smaller surface area than the layer it is stacked upon. The edges of the base layer and the discontinuous layers stacked upon it are all at least partially functionalised, providing a structure with graphene-like properties owing to the base layer and relatively high dispersibility owing to the increased amount of functionalised groups on each platelet. The inventive method employs Fenton chemistry such that iron(II) chloride/hydrogen peroxide is used as an oxidant, which represents an improvement on the methods of the prior art. The dispersible graphene platelets have, amongst other properties, favourable heat transfer characteristics and find potential uses in cooling data centres, HVAC and the like.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.