Synthesis and characterisation of hydrophilic and organophilic graphene nanosheets

Hydrophilic graphene nanosheets were rapidly synthesized by reacting graphene oxide nanosheets with poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) and simultaneously reducing by hydrazine hydrate under hydrothermal conditions. Organophilic graphene nanosheets were prepared by reacting with octadecylamine and reduction by hydroquinone through a reflux process. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements confirmed the attachment of organic molecules to the graphene nanosheets to achieve hydrophilic and organophilic affinity. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that the crystal structure of the graphene nanosheets was maintained intact after chemical functionalisation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All fights reserved.