Double- and Single-Sided bis-Functionalization of Graphene

TL;DR

This paper reports the first successful bis-functionalization of graphene through two reduction and covalent bonding steps, demonstrating methods for bulk and surface-specific functionalization with potential for strain-free structures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel bis-functionalization technique for graphene involving sequential reduction and covalent bonding, applicable to both bulk solutions and surface-deposited sheets.

Findings

Successful bis-functionalization of graphene demonstrated.

Functionalization can be performed in solution and on surfaces.

Retro-functionalization is possible with good leaving group anions.

Abstract

For the first time bis-functionalization of graphene employing two successive reduction and covalent bond formation steps are reported. Both bulk functionalization in solution and functionalization of individual sheets deposited on surfaces have been carried out. Whereas in the former case attacks from both sides of the basal plane are possible and can lead to strain-free architectures, in the latter case, retro-functionalizations can get important when the corresponding anion of the addend represents a sufficiently good leaving group.