Stage-1 cationic C60 intercalated graphene oxide films

A “stage-1” intercalated film has been made by the ion exchange of pyrrolidinium-functionalized C60 (C60(Py)n+) into centimeter-wide, micrometer-thick air-dried graphene oxide (G-O) films composed tens thousands layers stacked/overlapping G-O platelets, denoted [C60(Py)n+]G-O films. Spontaneous intercalation one layer C60(Py)n+ between adjacent expands interlayer spacing from 0.74 nm to 1.46 nm. The remain intact in water and various organic solvents, which is likely due a strong affinity G-O. Membranes showed 6.8 times faster vapor permeation rate (allowing transport through membrane almost freely) 10.5 liquid than membranes. Heating at 2000 °C under applied pressure or 2700 without physical confinement converted them highly graphitized structures.