Two-dimensional platelets have garnered much attention for use as fillers in polymer matrices, improving the mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties of the polymer in various ways. Graphene and its oxidized analogues are one such class of nanoplatelet fillers that have found widespread use in a variety of polymer applications. Unfortunately, one limitation to the preparation of graphene (oxide) polymer composites is the poor dispersability of the platelets in solvents and polymers due to their tendency to aggregate and stack. We will report the controlled covalent modification of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide in an acidic aqueous environment in high yield and on the large scale, and the incorporation of these materials into a variety of polymers. The chemistries used for these modifications are robust and scalable, allowing for functionalization with a variety of small molecules and polymers, giving materials of tunable solubility. We will also report on the selective functionalization the platelet as a route to control dispersability and dictate platelet assembly into higher order structures and at interfaces.

Covalent functionalization of graphene-based platelets for tailored solubility and assembly

249th National Meeting (2015)

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