Low-temperature method of producing nano-scaled graphene platelets and their nanocomposites

A method of exfoliating a layered material to produce separated nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, said method comprising:

• a) providing an acid-intercalated graphite compound;
• b) exposing said intercalated compound to a first exfoliation temperature for a duration of time sufficient to partially exfoliate said layered material without inducing oxidation or a chemical reaction;
• and
• c) subjecting said partially exfoliated material to a mechanical shearing treatment at a second temperature lower than the first temperature to produce said separated nano-scaled platelets.

A method of exfoliating a layered material to produce flexible graphite sheets, said method comprising:

• a) providing an acid-intercalated graphite compound;
• b) exposing said graphite intercalation compound to an exfoliation temperature lower than 600° C. for a duration of time sufficient to partially exfoliate said layered graphite;
• c) subjecting said partially exfoliated graphite to a mechanical shearing treatment to further exfoliate said layered graphite;
• and
• d) re-compressing said further exfoliated graphite to obtain flexible graphite sheets.