Research presentation: Reza Rizvi, University of Toledo
June 11 - April 11, 2019
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Two-dimensional (2D) nano-materials, such as Graphene, Boron Nitride and Molybdenum Disulfide, are finding numerous applications in next generation electronics, composites, consumer goods, energy generation and storage, and healthcare. However, their true potential will not be realized unless cost-effective, high-throughput and defect-free techniques for their mass-synthesis are developed. In this presentation, I will detail our recently developed method, known as compressible flow exfoliation (CFE), for producing 2D nano-materials using a multiphase flow of layered materials suspended in a high pressure gas undergoing supersonic expansion within confined geometries. The expanded gas is sprayed in a suitable solvent, where a significant portion of the material is found to be exfoliated to a few layers (<10 layers) per particle. This method has significant benefits over the existing 2D material exfoliation methods like chemical intercalation and liquid phase exfoliation. The most obvious advantage is the fast, continuous nature of the process with residence times on the order of 1s. Furthermore, the process is environmentally friendly, has a reduced occurrence of defects and has the versatility to be applied to any 2D layered material (graphene, boron nitride and molybdenum disulfide) using any high pressure gas. If implemented on an industrial level, we estimate the CFE process has the ability to reduce 2D materials costs by an order or magnitude or more.
Date posted
Apr 3, 2019
Date updated
Apr 3, 2019