A solvent-free Diels–Alder reaction of graphite into functionalized graphene nanosheets

Abstract

A solvent-free Diels–Alder reaction was carried out by heating a mixture of graphite and a typical dienophile, maleic anhydride (MA) or maleimide (MI), in a sealed glass ampoule of argon. The functionalization of graphite with dienophiles was confirmed by various characterization techniques, suggesting the efficient functionalization and delamination of graphite into a few layers of graphitic nanosheets. © the Partner Organisations 2014.