초록 ▼

A process for the production of nano-structures is presented, involving providing a graphite flake comprising graphene layers; intercalating the graphite flake to form a graphite intercalation compound exhibiting Stage I, II or III intercalation; and exfoliating the graphite intercalation compound u

A process for the production of nano-structures is presented, involving providing a graphite flake comprising graphene layers; intercalating the graphite flake to form a graphite intercalation compound exhibiting Stage I, II or III intercalation; and exfoliating the graphite intercalation compound under conditions such that a plurality of individual graphene layers are separated from the graphite intercalation compound.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A process for the production of structures which are, on average, no greater than about 1000 nanometers in at least one dimension, comprising providing a graphite flake comprising graphene layers; intercalating the graphite flake to form an intercalated graphite flake exhibit

What is claimed is: 1. A process for the production of structures which are, on average, no greater than about 1000 nanometers in at least one dimension, comprising providing a graphite flake comprising graphene layers; intercalating the graphite flake to form an intercalated graphite flake exhibiting Stage I, II or III intercalation; and exfoliating the intercalated graphite flake by exposing the intercalated graphite flake to a temperature of at least 1450° C. but less than the temperature at which the graphene layers no longer exist, such that a plurality of individual graphene layers are separated from the graphite flake, wherein the intercalated graphite flake is brought from a temperature at which it is stable to a temperature of at least 1450° C. within a period of no more than about 1 second and further wherein intercalated graphite flakes are exfoliated by being extruded as a rod into an inert gas plasma or through a cooled nozzle which opposes a graphite electrode, wherein the extruded intercalated graphite flake and the graphite electrode form a pair between which an arc is struck to rapidly heat the intercalated graphite flake. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the graphite flake is intercalated with an intercalant comprising formic acid, acetic acid, water, or combinations thereof. 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the intercalated graphite flake is exposed to a supercritical fluid prior to exfoliation. 4. The process of claim 1, wherein exfoliation occurs in a reducing gas environment. 5. The process of claim 4, wherein exfoliation occurs in a hydrogen environment. 6. The process of claim 1, wherein a vacuum is drawn to accelerate exfoliation and direct the extruded stream of exfoliated graphite flake. 7. The process of claim 1, wherein a plurality of individual graphene layers each spontaneously form a nano-tube or a Buckminster fullerene. 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the intercalated graphite flake is brought from a temperature at which it is stable to a temperature substantially above its decomposition temperature within a period of no more than about 0.5 second.