Graphene Nanoplatelets (99.5+%, Thickness 2-8nm, 3-6 Layers)

Graphene Nanoplatelets

• Research and industrial-grade GNPs
  
• Plasma exfoliated and/or functionalized GNPs
  

Introduction

Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) are a form of graphene that consist of thin, flat, multi-layered or single-layered graphene sheets, typically in the range of 1 to 10 nanometers in thickness, but with lateral dimensions (length and width) that can range from a few hundred nanometers to several micrometers. These 2D materials exhibit many of the exceptional properties of graphene, including high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and flexibility.

Applications

Composites and Materials Enhancement

Reinforced Composites: GNPs are used to reinforce polymers, metals, and ceramics to create lightweight, high-strength composite materials. These composites are highly durable and exhibit improved mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact resistance, and fracture toughness. Common industries using GNP-reinforced materials include aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports equipment. For example, carbon fiber composites are enhanced with GNPs to improve strength without adding significant weight.

Thermal Conductivity: GNPs are often incorporated into thermal interface materials (TIMs), improving heat dissipation in electronic devices. In electronics, GNPs are used in heat sinks, LEDs, and microprocessors to improve performance by managing the thermal load.

Energy Storage and Conversion

Supercapacitors: GNPs are widely used in the production of supercapacitors and batteries due to their excellent electrical conductivity and high surface area. As a result, they improve the charge-discharge rates, energy density, and lifetime of energy storage devices. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, benefit from the incorporation of GNPs in their electrodes, which enhance conductivity and reduce internal resistance.

Hydrogen Storage: GNPs can be used for hydrogen storage, a key challenge in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Their large surface area allows for high-density hydrogen adsorption, making them promising candidates for efficient hydrogen storage systems.

Fuel Cells: In hydrogen fuel cells, GNPs are being explored as part of the catalyst layers. Their surface area and conductivity help improve the efficiency of catalytic reactions, which are essential for energy conversion in fuel cells.

Electronics and Conductive Applications

Conductive Inks: GNPs are incorporated into conductive inks used for printed electronics. These inks are used to create flexible, lightweight circuits for wearable electronics, smart packaging, RFID tags, and disposable sensors. GNPs provide an excellent balance of electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and scalability, making them ideal for next-generation electronics.

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs): Graphene nanoplatelets are used to improve the conductivity and thermal stability of printed circuit boards (PCBs) in electronic devices. They can also enhance the mechanical integrity of the PCB material, reducing the risk of cracks and failures.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding: GNPs are used to create EMI shielding materials for electronic devices, such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. The high conductivity of GNPs allows them to absorb and block electromagnetic interference, protecting sensitive electronics from external radiation.

 Medical and Biotechnology Applications

Drug Delivery Systems: GNPs, due to their high surface area and biocompatibility, are used for targeted drug delivery. In particular, they are functionalized to carry and release pharmaceutical agents to specific tissues or cells, improving the precision and efficacy of drug treatments, especially in cancer therapies.

Biosensors: Graphene nanoplatelets are employed in the development of biosensors for detecting a wide range of biomarkers, pathogens, and pollutants. GNPs offer high sensitivity due to their large surface area, which increases the interaction between the sensor and the target biomolecules.

Imaging: GNPs are being explored for biomedical imaging applications, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and fluorescence imaging. Their ability to bind to specific tissues or cells makes them useful as contrast agents in medical imaging, enabling more accurate and sensitive diagnosis.

Water Purification and Environmental Remediation

Water Filtration: Graphene nanoplatelets are incorporated into filtration membranes for water purification. Their high surface area and porous structure make them effective at removing impurities, such as heavy metals, salts, and organic contaminants, from water. In particular, graphene oxide membranes are used for desalination and wastewater treatment, providing a more sustainable solution for clean water access.

Pollution Cleanup: GNPs can also be used for oil spill cleanup. Due to their hydrophobic nature, they can efficiently adsorb oils and organic compounds, making them ideal for cleaning up environmental pollution caused by oil spills. Their large surface area allows them to absorb large quantities of oil relative to their size, enhancing the efficiency of the cleanup process.