Single-layer diamond-like structure (‘diamane’) is a new 2D form of carbon first predicted theoretically followed by recent experimental realisation. In collaboration with Prof Marc Dubois (UCA), our lab reported the experimental liquid-phase preparation of fluorinated diamane (‘F-diamane’) from graphite flakes (Carbon, 2021, 175, 124; Appl. Surf. Sci., 2022, 152534).

We transformed large-area films made of stacked/overlapping graphene oxide platelets into ‘graphenic’ films that are highly flexible and have high electrical and thermal conductivities (ACS Nano, 2016, 11, 665; Carbon, 2016, 101, 71; Carbon, 2018, 132, 294). We also reported uniform dispersion of various metal single atoms embedded in the ‘graphenic’ films under spatial confinement (Carbon, 2022, 188, 367), and the preparation of freestanding, transparent, highly electrically and thermally conductive ultrathin graphene films (Adv. Mater. 2021, 33, 2104195).

We used domestic microwave for solid-state, shock conversion of graphene with the ability of simultaneous embedment of metals and/or heteroatom doping (Mater. Chem. Front. 2019, 3, 1433). The same strategy allowed rapid production of graphene fluoride (Small, 2020, 16, 1903397). These materials were used in electrochemical processes including batteries, electroreduction of CO2, and water electrolysis.

Our lab has a strong interest in the assembly of nano-carbons and related 2D materials (Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 11407; Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 4845; Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 8172; Chem. Commun. 2015, 51, 2399; Chem. Commun. 2020, 56, 7325).

We tested water permeation through metal-ion modified graphene oxide membranes (Carbon, 2020, 170, 646) and liquid-phase water isotope separation to enrich deuterium and 18O in natural water using 2D membranes (Carbon, 2022, 186, 344). A 'stage-1' cationic C60 intercalated graphene oxide films was made showing water vapour passing through with almost no resistance and >10 times faster liquid water permeation, compared to graphene oxide membranes (Carbon, 2021, 175, 131).

Our lab is working closely with Prof Rodney Ruoff’s group (UNIST, CMCM) on the growth, transfer, and folding/stacking of graphene films, including (i) growth of AB-stacked bi-layer and ABA-stacked tri-layer graphene films (Nature Nanotechnol. 2020, 15, 289); (ii) non-destructive transferring CVD graphene films (Chem. Mater. 2017, 29, 4546); (iii) folding of graphene with defined stacking orders (Nano Lett. 2017, 17, 1467); and (iv) layer-by-layer assembly of graphene into macroscopic films (Adv. Mater. 2019, 31, 1909039).

With Prof Colin Raston’s group (Flinders), we performed early research on controlling chemical reactions and nanomaterial synthesis inside the vortex fluidic device (VFD) including the exfoliation and scrolling of graphene or boron nitride nanosheets (Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 3703; Chem. Soc. Rev. 2014, 43, 1387; Chem. Sci. 2022, 13, 3375). These works are among the first examples of shear-induced production of 2D materials.