Vertically Aligned Graphene Layer Arrays from Chromonic Liquid Crystal Precursors

Graphene layers can be fabricated in vertical arrays by non-covalent water-based assembly of chromonic liquid crystals followed by carbonization. Local shear forces can be used to write orientational micropatterns in the arrays. The unique vertical layer arrangement produces rafts of graphenic edge sites on the active upper surface, which can be used to create Z-directional nanopores through co-catalyzed nanoparticle channeling.