Rebar graphene.
As the cylindrical sp(2)-bonded carbon allotrope, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used to reinforce bulk materials such as polymers, ceramics, and metals. However, both the concept demonstration and the fundamental understanding on how 1D CNTs reinforce atomically thin 2D layered materials, such as graphene, are still absent. Here, we demonstrate the successful synthesis of CNT-toughened graphene by simply annealing functionalized CNTs on Cu foils without needing to introduce extraneous carbon sources. The CNTs act as reinforcing bar (rebar), toughening the graphene through both π-π stacking domains and covalent bonding where the CNTs partially unzip and form a seamless 2D conjoined hybrid as revealed by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis. This is termed rebar graphene. Rebar graphene can be free-standing on water and transferred onto target substrates without needing a polymer-coating due to the rebar effects of the CNTs. The utility of rebar graphene sheets as flexible all-carbon transparent electrodes is demonstrated. The in-plane marriage of 1D nanotubes and 2D layered materials might herald an electrical and mechanical union that extends beyond carbon chemistry.
Department of Chemistry, ‡Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.
Zheng
Z
Yan
Zhiwei
Z
Peng
Gilberto
G
Casillas
Jian
J
Lin
Changsheng
C
Xiang
Haiqing
H
Zhou
Yang
Y
Yang
Gedeng
G
Ruan
Abdul-Rahman O
AR
Raji
Errol L G
EL
Samuel
Robert H
RH
Hauge
Miguel Jose
MJ
Yacaman
James M
JM
Tour
D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004566:Electrodes; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011485:Protein Binding; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water
D001896:Boron Compounds; D008670:Metals; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; C017282:boron nitride; D002244:Carbon; D006108:Graphite; D009532:Nickel