Synthesis of enhanced hydrophilic and hydrophobic graphene oxide nanosheets by a solvothermal method

We report that the hydrophilic affinity of graphene oxide nanosheets can be significantly increased by reacting with allylamine. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction analysis confirmed that the graphene oxide nanosheets were amorphous in structure. Hydrophobic graphene oxide nanosheets were also prepared via functionalising with phenylisocynate (C6H5NCO) through a solvothermal synthesis process. Hydrophobic graphene oxide nanosheets can be used as additives in polymer-based composites and other functional applications.