Localized in-situ polymerization on graphene surfaces for stabilized graphene dispersions

Abstract: We demonstrate a novel in situ polymerization technique to develop localized polymer coatings on the surface of dispersed pristine graphene sheets. Graphene sheets show great promise as strong, conductive fillers in polymer nanocomposites; however, difficulties in dispersion quality and interfacial strength between filler and matrix have been a persistent problem for graphene-based nanocomposites, particularly for pristine graphene. To address this problem, a physisorbed polymer layer is used to stabilize graphene sheets in solution. To form this protective layer, an organic microenvironment is formed around dispersed graphene sheets in surfactant solutions, and a nylon 6,10 or nylon 6,6 coating is created via interfacial polymerization. A similar technique was originally developed to protect luminescent properties of carbon nanotubes in solution. These coated graphene dispersions are aggregation-resistant and may be reversibly redispersed in water even after freeze-drying. The coated graphene holds promise for a number of applications, including multifunctional graphene-polymer nanocomposites.