In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Layered Materials and Fabrication of Multifunctional Composites

Author

Md Abdur Rahman Bin Abdus Salam, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Ali Ashraf

Second Advisor

Farid Ahmed

Third Advisor

Victoria M. Padilla

Abstract

To harness the extraordinary properties of 2D nanomaterials across a range of applications, including but not limited to device fabrication (such as sensors and transistors), energy storage and conversion systems (like batteries and solar cells), as well as biomedical applications (such as drug delivery and tissue engineering), it is imperative to achieve proper synthesis to single-layer form from bulk material, ensuring defect-free synthesis. Recognizing the criticality of defect-free synthesis and high yield for nanocomposite production, our focus centered on developing a facile, contamination-free, single-step, in situ shear exfoliation process for bulk materials (such as graphene, hBN, coal) within elastomers, which serve as both exfoliation and stabilization media. In addition to eliminating toxic chemicals mostly used in the synthesis of bulk layered materials, our mechanical exfoliation technique achieves the remarkable feat of producing graphene layers ranging from 4 to 6 layers in the c-axis direction while maintaining micrometer-scale lateral dimensions, as confirmed by various spectroscopic analyses including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The as-prepared nanocomposite offers a diverse array of applications due to its unique intrinsic properties. Specifically, the graphene nanocomposite exhibits piezo resistivity ideal for sensor applications, while the hBN nanocomposite enhances thermal conductivity for coatings. Additionally, the graphene nanocomposite membrane prepared utilizing Direct ink writing technique demonstrates effectiveness in separation applications. Furthermore, by employing various post-processing techniques such as heat pressing and femtosecond laser engraving on the nanocomposite, we enhanced its properties, paving the way for a promising avenue of multifunctionality in diverse application areas.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Md Abdur Rahman Bin Abdus Salam. https://proquest.com/docview/3115397875

Recommended Citation

Salam, Md Abdur Rahman Bin Abdus, "In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Layered Materials and Fabrication of Multifunctional Composites" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1601.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1601