Description
Abstract: The compatibility of graphene in aqueous polymer systems is not fully understood, resulting in limited application of graphene in favor of graphene oxide in aqueous-processed polymer films. This work identifies that the presence of bile salt facilitates the formation of weak gel networks in the polyelectrolyte which are disrupted by the addition of small amounts of surfactant, but not by graphene/surfactant suspension, indicating that the surfactant preferentially associates with sites on the graphene sheets in aqueous suspension even at low pH. UV-Vis absorption, in the 260-270 nm range, shows that the electronic structure is preserved with this method of stabilization, a finding with huge implications for the promotion of aqueous processed graphene
into more widespread use.
Authors: Julie Muretta, Katherine Kent, Stephen W. Sofie, and Joseph Seymour