Catalyst and doping methods for arc graphene.

Nitrogen-doped graphene synthesis with ∼g scale has been accomplished using the arc discharge method. The defects formed in the synthesis process were reduced by adding various metal catalysts, among which Bi2O3 was found to be the most effective. Adding dopants to the starting materials increased the electrical conductivity of the graphene product, and the doping concentration in graphene was tuned by adjusting the amount of nitrogen dopants. A step-wise technique to fabricate graphene thin films was developed, including dispersion, separation, and filtering processes. The arc graphene can also find its potential application in supercapacitors, taking advantage of its large surface area and improved conductivity by doping.

Covalent surface modification of chemically derived graphene and its application as supercapacitor electrode material.

A simple and effective method using 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) for the synthesis of water dispersible graphene has been described. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy reveals that ANS-modified reduced graphene oxide (ANS-rGO) obeys Beers law at moderate concentrations. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies provide quantitative information regarding the removal of oxygen functional groups from graphene oxide (GO) and the appearance of new functionalities in ANS-rGO. The electrochemical performances of ANS-rGO have been determined by cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. Charge-discharge experiments show that ANS-rGO is an outstanding supercapacitor electrode material due to its high specific capacitance (375 F g(-1) at a current density of 1.3 A g(-1)) and very good electrochemical cyclic stability (∼97.5% retention in specific capacitance after 1000 charge-discharge cycles). ANS-rGO exhibits promising characteristics with a very high power density (1328 W kg(-1)) and energy density (213 W h kg(-1)).

One-step electrochemical synthesis of 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-napthalene-sulfonic acid functionalized graphene for green energy storage electrode materials.

A green approach for the one-step electrochemical synthesis of water dispersible graphene is reported. An alkaline solution of 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalene-sulfonic acid (ANS) serves the role of electrolyte as well as surface modifier. High-purity graphite rods are used as electrodes which can be exfoliated under a constant electrical potential (∼20 V) to form ANS functionalized graphene (ANEG). The aqueous dispersion of ANEG obeyed Beer's law at moderate concentrations, as evidenced from ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis suggests complete exfoliation of graphite into graphene. Fourier transform infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy not only confirm the functionalization of graphene with ANS, but also suggest the formation of oxygen containing functional groups on the surface of ANEG. Raman spectra analysis indicates the presence of defects in ANEG as compared to pure graphite. Cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge measurements of ANEG using three electrode systems show a specific capacitance of 115 F g(-1) at a current density of 4 A g(-1). The ANEG electrode exhibits 93% retention in specific capacitance after 1000 charge-discharge cycles, confirming its utility as a green energy storage electrode material.

Facile method for the preparation of water dispersible graphene using sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone) and its application as energy storage materials.

A simple and effective method for the preparation of water dispersible graphene using sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone) (SPEEK) has been described. The SPEEK macromolecules are noncovalently adsorbed on the surface of graphene through π-π interactions. The SPEEK-modified graphene (SPG) forms an aqueous dispersion that is stable for more than six months. An analysis of the ultraviolet-visible spectra shows that the aqueous dispersion of SPG obeys Beer's law and the molar extinction coefficient has been found to be 149.03 mL mg(-1) cm(-1). Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirm successful reduction and surface modification of graphene. An atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis reveals the formation of a single layer of functionalized graphene. Transmission electron microscopy results are also in good agreement with the AFM analysis and support the formation of single-layer graphene. SPG shows good electrochemical cyclic stability during cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge process when used as a supercapacitor electrode. A specific capacitance of 476 F g(-1) at a current density of 6.6 A g(-1) is observed for SPG materials.

Preparation of water-dispersible graphene by facile surface modification of graphite oxide.

Water-dispersible graphene was prepared by reacting graphite oxide and 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS). X-ray diffraction study showed that the basal reflection (002) peak of graphite oxide was absent in the ANS-functionalized graphene (ANS-G), indicating crystal layer delamination. Ultraviolet-visible spectral data were recorded to assess the solubility of the ANS-G in water. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis suggested the attachment of ANS molecules to the surface of graphene. Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that oxygen functionality in the graphite oxide had been removed during reduction. Atomic force microscopy found that the thickness of ANS-G in water was about 1.8 nm, much higher than that of single layer graphene. Thermal stability measurements also indicated successful removal of oxygen functionality from the graphite oxide and the attachment of thermally unstable ANS to the graphene surfaces. The electrical conductivity of ANS-G, determined by a four-point probe, was 145 S m(-1) at room temperature.

Derivatized Carbon Nanotubes for Gene Therapy in Mammalian and Plant Cells.

The concept of gene vectors for therapeutic applications has been known for several years, but it is far from revealing its actual potential. With the advent of hollow cylindrical carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), researchers have invented several new tools to deliver genes at the required site of action in mammalian and plant cells. The ease of diversified functionalization has allowed CNTs to be by far the most adaptable non-viral vector for gene therapy. This Minireview addresses the dexterity with which CNTs undergo surface modifications and their applications as a potent vector in gene therapy of humans and plants. Specifically, we will discuss the new tools that scientific communities have invented to achieve gene therapy using plasmid DNA, RNA silencing, suicide gene therapy, and plant genetic engineering. Additionally, we will shed some light on the mechanism of gene transportation using carbon nanotubes in cancer cells and plants.

Band Gap Engineering of Boron Nitride by Graphene and Its Application as Positive Electrode Material in Asymmetric Supercapacitor Device.

Nanostructured hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite is prepared by insertion of h-BN into the graphene oxide through hydrothermal reaction. Formation of the super lattice is confirmed by the existence of two separate UV-visible absorption edges corresponding to two different band gaps. The composite materials show enhanced electrical conductivity as compared to the bulk h-BN. A high specific capacitance of ∼824 F g(-1) is achieved at a current density of 4 A g(-1) for the composite in three-electrode electrochemical measurement. The potential window of the composite electrode lies in the range from -0.1 to 0.5 V in 6 M aqueous KOH electrolyte. The operating voltage is increased to 1.4 V in asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device where the thermally reduced graphene oxide is used as the negative electrode and the h-BN/RGO composite as the positive electrode. The ASC exhibits a specific capacitance of 145.7 F g(-1) at a current density of 6 A g(-1) and high energy density of 39.6 W h kg(-1) corresponding to a large power density of ∼4200 W kg(-1). Therefore, a facile hydrothermal route is demonstrated for the first time to utilize h-BN-based composite materials as energy storage electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.

7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane-assisted one-step electrochemical exfoliation of graphite and its performance as an electrode material.

A green approach for the preparation of water-dispersible functionalized graphene via one-step electrochemical exfoliation of graphite using 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) anions as surface modifiers and electrolytes was described. TCNQ is an organic charge-transfer complex with electron accepting and noteworthy electrical properties. The exfoliation of graphite to a few-layer graphene sheets was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) image analysis. The chemical state, surface functional groups and chemical compositions of bulk graphite as well as TCNQ-functionalized graphene sheets were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Adsorption of TCNQ onto the surface of graphene sheets was confirmed by the appearance of the N1s peak at ∼399.4 eV in the XPS of TCNQ-functionalized graphene. Exfoliation of bulk graphite to functionalized graphene sheets was further confirmed by the appearance of a sharp single peak at ∼2695 cm(-1) along with increased intensity ratios of the D-band to the G-band. Electrochemical performance of a TCNQ-functionalized graphene sheet was investigated using 1 M Na2SO4 and 1 M KOH aqueous solutions. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanometric charge-discharge experiments revealed that TCNQ-functionalized graphene could be used as a supercapacitor electrode material. The specific capacitance values of TCNQ-modified graphene measured with electrolytes (1 M KOH and 1 M Na2SO4) were 324 and 140 F g(-1), respectively, at a current density of 1 A g(-1). Impedance spectroscopic analysis revealed that the charge transfer process was dependent on surface functionalization and interaction between the electrode and the electrolyte.

Recent advances in the efficient reduction of graphene oxide and its application as energy storage electrode materials.

Efficient reduction of graphene oxide (GO) by chemical, thermal, electrochemical, and photo-irradiation techniques has been reviewed. Particular emphasis has been directed towards the proposed reduction mechanisms of GO by different reducing agents and techniques. The advantages of using different kinds of reducing agents on the basis of their availability, cost-effectiveness, toxicity, and easy product isolation processes have also been studied extensively. We provide a detailed description of the improvement in physiochemical properties of reduced GO (RGO) compared to pure GO. For example, the electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of electrochemically obtained RGO are much better than those of chemically or thermally RGO materials. We provide examples of how RGO has been used as supercapacitor electrode materials. Specific capacitance of GO increases after reduction and the value has been reported to be 100-300 F g(-1). We conclude by proposing new environmentally friendly types of reducing agents that can efficiently remove oxygen functionalities from the surface of GO.

Recent advances in graphene-based biosensors.

A detailed overview towards the advancement of graphene based biosensors has been reviewed. The large surface area and excellent electrical conductivity of graphene allow it to act as an "electron wire" between the redox centers of an enzyme or protein and an electrode's surface. Rapid electron transfer facilitates accurate and selective detection of biomolecules. This review discusses the application of graphene for the detection of glucose, Cyt-c, NADH, Hb, cholesterol, AA, UA, DA, and H(2)O(2). GO and RGO have been used for the fabrication of heavy metal ion sensors, gas sensors, and DNA sensors. Graphene based FETs have also been discussed in details. In all these cases, the biosensors performed well with low working potentials, high sensitivities, low detection limits, and long-term stabilities.