Functionalizing graphene can open a bandgap by disrupting its pi-bonding network, a critical step for potential graphene-based electronics. Thus, understanding the fundamental reaction dynamics of graphene functionalization reactions is key to generating control over the electronic properties of new graphene derivatives. We use micro-Raman spectroscopy to measure the kinetics of the reaction between graphene and chlorine radicals to form chlorographene in the gas-phase and in solution. In each case, we generate reactive Cl radicals via photodissociation of Cl2. In the gas-phase, the reaction occurs in 30 minutes. Annealing the graphene samples increases the reaction rate, showing that sample heating activates graphene reactivity. In water, we observe a faster reaction than in the gas-phase. We attribute this increased reaction rate to the unfavorable interaction of nonpolar Cl2 and polar water, which creates a large excess Cl2 concentration on graphene’s surface.

Graphene functionalization dynamics in the gas-phase and in solution

255th National Meeting (2018)

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