writer：C. Zhang, W. W. Tjiu, W. Fan, Z. Yang, S. Huang, T. X. Liu*
keywords：Graphene, clay, hybrid films, self-assembly
source：期刊
specific source：J. Mater. Chem., 2011, 21(44), 18011-18017.
Issue time：2011年

We report a simple and efficient method to fabricate flexible multifunctional free-standing montmorillonite-graphene (MMT-G) hybrid films via vacuum filtration. Aqueous colloidal dispersion of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO), stabilized byMMT nanoplatelets with variable content of r-GO, has been obtained by direct reduction of graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of exfoliated MMT nanoplatelets. The formation of stable dispersion of graphene sheets in water is a result from two contributing factors, i.e. the hydrogen-bonding interaction and the crosslinking effects originated from sodium ions acting as ‘crosslinkers’ between r-GO sheets and MMT nanoplatelets. Through filtration, the two-dimensional and positively chargedMMT and r-GO can self-assemble to form highly oriented hybrid films, where MMT and r-GO stack with each other in a fashion of interlocking arrangements. The MMT-G hybrid films thus obtained show excellent flexibility, electrical conductivity and fire-retardant properties. Therefore, it might be useful to further study and understand the non-covalent interactions between nanoclay and graphene in aqueous media, and open a new strategy for graphene applications in colloidal chemistry.