Optimizing the structure and molecular weight of polymers for graphene dispersants

Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single-atom-thick honeycomb lattice nanostructure. Among the various preparation methods for graphene, the liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite is mass-producible and cost-effective. To facilitate the exfoliation of graphite in organic solvents, polymers can be employed as dispersants. We synthesized polymer dispersants with various monomer ratios and molecular weights and investigated the efficient acquisition of graphene from graphite. Graphene with a uniform thickness was obtained when graphite was exfoliated using an optimized polymer dispersant. The optimized polymer enabled a high yield and concentration of graphene using liquid-phase exfoliation. The liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite is mass-producible and cost-effective method of graphene production. Polymers can be employed as dispersants to facilitate the exfoliation of graphite in organic solvents. We synthesized methacrylate polymers with various monomer ratios and molecular weights and investigated the efficient acquisition of graphene from graphite. Graphene with a uniform thickness was obtained when graphite was exfoliated using an optimized polymer dispersant.