The Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene Nanoparticles Their Oxygen Modified Forms and Composites

Multilayer graphene nanoparticles (GNPs) have unique properties and potential for application. They are more stable compared to single-layer graphene and are suitable for mass production by splitting precursors with a graphite-like structure. The problem is not in the production of GNPs, but in the regulation of its characteristics. The application of GNPs is hindered by their agglomeration due to van der Waals interactions. To avoid this, it is necessary to create a gap between GNPs. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an ideal candidate for this. CNTs can reduce internal electrical resistance and improve overall electrical conductivity. Therefore, the production of GNPs@CNTs hybrids is of interest. In work, a simple and cheap method of GNP synthesis by anodic exfoliation of expanded graphite (EG) foil in a weak alkaline electrolyte is shown. A two-level method of regulating the structure of GNPs by adjusting the nanoscale cluster structure of EG by changing the parameters of its production process and modes of “secondary intercalation”, i.e., anodic oxidation of the EG foil, is revealed. The method of synthesis of dispersions of GNPs@CNTs and film materials from them is described. The structural characteristics of GNPs, CNTs and their composites, determined by the methods of X-ray diffraction, LCS, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, DTA, TG are presented. The energetic effects of the interaction of partially oxidized graphene-like planes with each other were elucidated by the methods of quantum chemistry. It was found that the reaction between hydroxyl and aldehyde groups of two interacting graphene-like planes is thermodynamically most probable.