Stable graphite exfoliation by fullerenol intercalation via aqueous route

Graphene is a wonder material possessing unique properties; however, graphene prepared by exfoliation of graphite has property to restack because of van der Waals interactions to form graphite. This restacking can be prevented by insertion of large molecules like fullerene, which not only exfoliates graphite layer but also prevents restacking of prepared graphene sheets. The present article also describes a mild method of graphite oxide synthesis (GO) for lower degree of oxidation resulting in less defected (ruptured carbon framework) graphene sheets. Exfoliation is performed by intercalation of large fullerene molecules by aqueous reaction of fullerene hydroxide (fullerenol) with the epoxy functionalities on graphite oxide to prepare fullerene intercalated graphite (G-Fol). Fullerene functionalization of GO to form G-Fol has been established by FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TGA and number of layers has been ascertained by Raman spectroscopy, XRD and HRTEM. Stable exfoliation of G-Fol has been confirmed by change in absorbance with time. Photoluminescence property of the material is also evaluated by fluorescence emission and excitation measurement at different excitation and emission wavelengths, respectively. The present article explains a new method of exfoliation of graphite to form stable functionalized graphene layers with fewer defects for future applications as buffer layer in electronic devices.