Efficient and scalable synthesis of highly aligned and compact two-dimensional nanosheet films with record performances

Abstract

It is crucial to align two-dimensional nanosheets to form a highly compact layered structure for many applications, such as electronics, optoelectronics, thermal management, energy storage, separation membranes, and composites. Here we show that continuous centrifugal casting is a universal, scalable and efficient method to produce highly aligned and compact two-dimensional nanosheets films with record performances. The synthesis mechanism, structure control and property dependence of alignment and compaction of the films are discussed. Significantly, 10-μm-thick graphene oxide films can be synthesized within 1 min, and scalable synthesis of meter-scale films is demonstrated. The reduced graphene oxide films show super-high strength (~660 MPa) and conductivity (~650 S cm−1). The reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube hybrid-film-based all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors exhibit ultrahigh volumetric capacitance (407 F cm−3) and energy density (~10 mWh cm−3) comparable to that of thin-film lithium batteries. We also demonstrate the production of highly anisotropic graphene nanocomposites as well as aligned, compact films and vertical heterostructures of various nanosheets.