Graphene is a single layer of graphite in which carbon atoms form a hexagonal lattice. The increasing interest in graphene is due to its enormous application potential and a range of unique properties: mechanical, electronic, optical, and others.
So far, a number of methods for obtaining graphene are known, of which five main methods can be distinguished:
1.Micromechanical peeling of graphite;
2.Exfoliation of graphite in the liquid phase;
3.Peeling of graphite using chemical methods;
4.Growth of graphene by chemical vapor deposition;
5.Growth of graphene on a SiC substrate;
However, only the first three methods are the most promising for scaling up the processes of graphene production.
Graphene itself, possessing unique properties, is of interest to specific industries, especially electronics and electrical engineering. The most widespread use of graphene-like materials, known as few-layer and multi-layer graphenes, is considered in the form of suspensions or dispersions in the required dispersion media to evenly distribute graphene formations in the matrix. Various types of plastics, composite materials, polymers, metals, rubber, concrete, etc., can act as matrices.
As you know, every system tends towards a minimum of energy. To reduce the free surface energy of the system, there are two options: reducing surface tension or reducing the area of the interface.
This means that according to the second law of thermodynamics, all spontaneous processes occur with a decrease in the energy of the system. In this case, with a decrease in the free surface energy (Gibbs energy).
Based on this law, from a thermodynamic point of view, a single graphene layer has an extremely unstable state, so graphene almost instantly transforms into nanotubes or fullerenes. The only way to maintain the two-dimensional state of graphene without using substrates for this purpose is to create conditions where the surface tension at the phase interface cannot decrease. These conditions can only be created by directly obtaining graphene in special liquid dispersion media, called graphene dispersions.
We have developed a method for producing graphene dispersions with a high degree of scalability and the ability to obtain graphene dispersions in almost any liquid medium.
The method is based on the destruction of the van der Waals forces of the dispersed phase due to resonance, into which the system automatically enters and does not require the introduction of surfactants and the use of ultrasound.
With this method, it is possible, in particular, to modify graphene suspensions or dispersions with materials such as polyaniline, organosilicon compounds, and heteropolyacids.
The device patented by us allows the splitting of practically all layered materials on an industrial scale in the form of suspensions or dispersions and controls their properties.
Graphene dispersions are an important material class with promising properties and a wide range of applications.
Graphene dispersions can be integrated with other materials to create hybrid structures with unique properties. For example, combining graphene dispersions with polymers, metals, or ceramics enables the production of composite materials with improved mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties. This opens up possibilities for developing new materials with enhanced performance and a wide range of applications.
Here’s a brief list of these advantages:
1.Improved dispersion and stability:
Graphene dispersions exhibit a high degree of dispersion, ensuring uniform distribution of graphene particles in the matrix and enhancing solution stability.
2.Ease of processing and integration into various materials:
Graphene dispersions are easy to process and can be integrated into various materials such as polymers, ceramics, metals, and composite materials to enhance their properties.
3.Expanded range of applications and functionalities:
Graphene dispersions offer a wide range of applications in various fields including electronics, energy, catalysis, sensors, materials science, biomedicine, and others.
4.Increased surface area and enhanced interaction with other materials:
Due to their two-dimensional structure, graphene dispersions have a large surface area, allowing them to effectively interact with other materials and improve their properties. For example, adding graphene dispersions to polymer materials increases their mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.
Graphene dispersions also enhance the interaction between different material components, leading to improved bonding and increased efficiency of electron or heat transfer between them. This is particularly important for applications requiring high electrical and thermal conductivity, such as electronics and thermal interfaces.
5.Improved electrical and mechanical properties:
Graphene dispersions can significantly improve the electrical and mechanical properties of materials. Due to their high electrical conductivity, adding graphene dispersions to polymers or composite materials can increase their electrical conductivity, which is important for various electronic applications.
Furthermore, graphene dispersions also improve the mechanical properties of materials such as strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. This makes them suitable for enhancing the properties of structural materials and composite materials.
6.Ability to fine-tune properties:
Graphene dispersions have the unique ability to finely tune their properties. Functionalizing graphene makes it possible to introduce various chemical groups or add additional components, thereby controlling the electrical conductivity, hydrophobicity, adhesion, and other properties of materials.
High strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and large surface area make graphene dispersions a valuable tool for developing innovative technologies and improving existing processes. They open up new avenues in fields such as electronics, energy, medicine, ecology, aerospace, and others, offering new opportunities for developing more efficient and sustainable materials and devices.
In summary, graphene dispersions represent an innovative and promising class of materials with unique properties and diverse applications, including in the defense industry. They not only enhance the performance of materials but also contribute to the development of new technologies and breakthroughs in various fields. With their help, we can achieve more efficient, sustainable, and innovative solutions, thus creating new opportunities for progress and the advancement of our society.