Production of Nanosheets with High Aspect Ratio in Liquid Process

Abstract

We have found new process for mass production of high-aspect ratio nanosheets. In liquid-phase exfoliation, layered materials are gradually fragmented by shear force. During the fragmentation, active species are generated at the edge. In general, these active species lead to agglomeration of the nanoparticles. In this study, we added small amount of salts, and the salts can react with the activated edge. The chemical bonded salt enhances the negative charging of nanosheets, and this contributes the exfoliation of layered material in incompatible solvent such as water, alcohol, and acetone and so on. The aspect ratio of nanosheets is also improved by adding salt. This finding will pave the way for the effective usage of nanosheet dispersion.