A facile method to prepare stable noncovalent functionalized graphene solution by using thionine

A novel noncovalent functionalization approach was presented here to exfoliate and stabilize the chemical converted graphene and the low-temperature exfoliated graphene in aqueous solution by using thionine. It was found that the thionine exhibited the π–π stacking force with the graphene sheets, and the attachment of thionine molecules onto the graphenes’ surfaces could obviously improve their solubility in water. The AFM observation further verified that the graphene sheets with single-layer to double-layer were existed in the dispersions. The electronic test indicated that the modified graphene sheets possessed excellent electronic properties.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ We prepared two kinds of noncovalent functionalized graphene by using the thionine as a stabilizer. ▶ The synthesized functionalized graphenes aqueous solution was very stable because of the presence of π–π interactions, and the resultant products were single- and double-layer graphene. ▶ The modified graphene possesses excellent conductivity property.