Functionalized Graphene via Carbon-Carbon Bonds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synthesizing graphene-based materials struggle with covalently functionalizing the basal plane, resulting in weakly bound functionalities that are labile and cannot withstand thermal, electrochemical, and chemical treatments, limiting their application in devices due to poor thermal and electrochemical stability.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods to functionalize graphene and graphene oxide with allylic functional groups via carbon-carbon bonds, allowing for the formation of stable carbonyl groups such as esters, carboxylic acids, and amides, which can withstand further processing and enhance the material's properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to functionalize graphene basal plane, then functional groups can be introduced, but the functional groups are weakly bound and labile, cannot withstand thermal/electrochemical/chemical treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first oxidizing graphene to graphene oxide, which introduces oxygen-containing functional groups (epoxides, hydroxyls, carboxyls) that serve as pre-prepared reaction sites. This preliminary oxidation creates a highly reactive intermediate that can subsequently undergo controlled functionalization reactions to form stable covalent bonds, resolving the contradiction between introducing functionality and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the chemical state of carbon atoms on the graphene basal plane from sp2 hybridization in pristine graphene to sp3 hybridization through oxidation and subsequent functionalization. This parameter change in bonding hybridization enables the formation of stable sigma bonds with functional groups while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the graphene lattice, thereby achieving both functional introduction and stability.
2Reliability
If deoxygenation is performed under harsh conditions to reestablish electrical conductivity, then conductivity is restored, but functional groups may be damaged or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by using graphene oxide as a mediator between pristine graphene and the desired functionalized product. The graphene oxide intermediate allows functional groups to be introduced under mild conditions, and subsequent controlled reduction can restore conductivity while preserving the covalently bonded functional groups, thus resolving the contradiction between restoring conductivity and preserving functional group integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces harsh mechanical/thermal deoxygenation methods with milder chemical reduction methods. Instead of using extreme thermal treatment that could damage functional groups, the invention employs chemical reducing agents or controlled electrochemical reduction to restore conductivity, thereby substituting a damaging physical process with a gentler chemical process that preserves functional group integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If C-O or C-N bonds are used to attach functional groups, then functionalization is achieved, but thermal and electrochemical boundaries of the device are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from using heteroatom bonds (C-O, C-N) to using carbon-carbon covalent bonds for attaching functional groups. This parameter change in bond type increases the thermal stability and electrochemical durability of the functional groups, as C-C bonds have higher bond dissociation energies and greater resistance to thermal and electrochemical degradation, thereby raising the thermal and electrochemical boundaries of the device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of graphene-based materials with high functional group densities that are stable under various conditions, suitable for applications in lithium ion batteries, catalytic processes, and electronic devices, offering improved thermal and electrochemical performance.
Implementation Method 1
causing a carbon-carbon bond to form between the at least one carbon atom within the reactant and a carbon atom within the carbon-based nanostructure
Implementation Method 2
reacting the carbon-based nanostructure with a reactant to produce a group having formula (II)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising and methods for forming functionalized carbon-based nanostructures.