Solution-processable graphene nanomeshes with controlled pore structures

Abstract

Graphene nanomeshes (GNMs) which can be cheaply produced on a large scale and processed through wet approaches are important materials for various applications, including catalysis, composites, sensors and energy related systems. Here, we report a method for large scale preparation of GNMs by refluxing reduced graphene oxide sheets in concentrated nitric acid solution (e.g., 8 moles per liter). The diameters of nanopores in GNM sheets can be readily modulated from several to hundreds nanometers by varying the time of acid treatment. The porous structure increased the specific surface areas of GNMs and the transmittances of GNM-based thin films. Furthermore, GNMs have large number of carboxyl groups at the edges of their nanopores, leading to good dispersibility in aqueous media and strong peroxidase-like catalytic activity.