Modification of Graphite Oxide Nanoplatelets using Polyethylene Crystallization

Abstract： In this article, a unique means to modify the graphite oxide nanoplatelets (GONPs) by polyethylene crystallization was reported. The GONPs were synthesized by the modified Hummers’ method, and obtained by exfoliation of graphite oxide in anhydrous ethanol. Two-dimensional (2D) GONPs were decorated with polyethylene crystallization in p-xylene solution, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and FT-infrared analysis. The results showed that a number of polyethylene lamellae crystals intersperse among the GONPs surface. The average size of polyethylene lamellae crystals is about 30-50 nm. Modified GONP substrates retain the intrinsic corrugation and folding. The anchored polyethylene crystals distributed uniformly on these carbon sheets, and increased the inter-planar spacing of GONPs effectively.