Covalent synthesis of organophilic chemically functionalized graphene sheets

In this study, we report a scalable, fast, and easy method for preparation of organophilic chemically functionalized graphene (OCFG) sheets. The basic strategy involved the preparation of graphite oxide (GO) and the complete exfoliation of GO into graphene oxide sheets, followed by reacting with 1-bromobutane to obtain OCFG sheets. Thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the functionalization of GO. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to demonstrate the structure of produced graphene oxide and OCFG sheets. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirmed that OCFG sheets disperse well in organic solvents and the solutions obey Beer's law. The resulting organic dispersions are homogeneous, exhibit long-term stability, and are made up of graphene sheets a few hundred nanometers large. The ability to prepare graphene dispersions in organic media facilitates their combination with polymers to yield homogeneous composites. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.