Nano Express
Graphite nanoplatelet chemical cross-linking by elemental sulfur
1 Institute for Composite and Biomedical Materials, CNR. P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
2 Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
3 INFN Sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di M.S. Angelo, via Cinthia, Naples 80126, Italy
4 Department of Material Engineering and Production, University “Federico II” of Naples, P.le Tecchio, 80, Naples 80125, Italy
Nanoscale Research Letters 2013, 8:94 doi:10.1186/1556-276X-8-94
Published: 20 February 2013Abstract
Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) react with elemental sulfur to provide a mechanically stable, spongy material characterized by good electrical conductivity and high surface development; such unique property combination makes these novel nanostructured materials very useful for applications in different technological fields. The carbon-sulfur reaction can be accurately investigated by thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy. The thermal treatment required for the formation of electrically conductive monosulfur connections among the GNP unities has been investigated.
81.05.Ue, 81.05.Rm, 81.16.Be
