Solution-Processed Graphene: Synthesis, Functionalization & Application

Abstract

Solution-processed graphene has the potential for large-scale production and commercialization. In this thesis, solution-processed graphene and graphene-based composites were synthesized and characterized. The applications of these graphene-based materials in bio-sensing, energy storage and optical limiting were explored. Graphene sheets can be used for the high density extraction of single-stranded DNA in solution as well as applied as template in Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization ? Time of Flight ? Mass Spectrometry. In the area of cancer detection, graphene-titania platform was also synthesized and utilized for specific extraction of phosphopeptides. In the area of energy storage, the high surface area and conductivity of graphene makes it an ideal material for supercapacitor application. Two approaches were conducted to optimize the performance of graphene-based supercapacitor. In the first approach, the graphene sheets were inter-spaced with nanodiamond to minimize the re-stacking. A second approach was based on cross-linking graphene sheets at the water-air interface to form a highly corrugated graphene membrane.