Inclusion and exclusion of self-assembled molecules inside graphene scrolls and control of their inner-tube diameter

Abstract

Graphene nanoscrolls (GNSs) have a unique structure and properties different from those of graphene and carbon nanotubes. Nanoscrolls of graphene are first synthesized by a simple solution process. Using N-(2-aminoethyl)-3α-hydroxy-5β-cholan-24-amide (LCA), as a bile acid derivative and self-assembling material, the inner-tube diameter of GNSs can be controlled by adjusting the diameter of LCA fibers grown by self-assembly. TEM and SEM images show that the GNSs have a tube-like morphology with various inner diameters of 2–12 nm and up to 250 nm achieved through growth and inclusion of LCA fibers. Finally, open cylindrical GNSs with a hollow core were obtained by solvent dissolution and thermal degradation of LCAs.