Multi-layered graphenic structures as the effect of chemical modification of thermally treated anthracite

ABSTRACTGraphenic materials have been produced from thermally treated highly metamorphosed carbon material – anthracite using two different methods: (1) the improved Hummers method followed by thermal reduction and (2) cycloaddition of azomethine ylide. Distinct differences were found between both anthracite-derived graphenic materials. The oxidation Hummers process resulted in a wide variety of oxygen functional groups incorporated into the carbon layers, while subsequent thermal reduction caused separation of graphene sheets but reduced the oxygen moieties. The cycloaddition of azometine ylide led to the formation of functionalized graphene sheets containing mostly 3,4-bonded N-methyl-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine groups. The first attempts of application of anthracite-derived fillers to epoxy composites showed the improvement of their mechanical and viscoelastic properties, comparable to composites with graphene nanofillers.