Ripplocation in graphite nanoplatelets during sonication assisted liquid phase exfoliation

TL;DR

This study investigates how cavitation shock waves during liquid-phase exfoliation induce ripplocations and dislocations in graphite nanoplatelets, revealing defect formation mechanisms and their potential for rapid annealing.

Contribution

It demonstrates that sonication can produce ripplocations and dislocations in graphite, and proposes a mechanism for their formation and annealing, advancing understanding of defect dynamics in 2D materials.

Findings

Cavitation shock waves induce ripplocations in graphite nanoplatelets.

Ripples are more prominent in large aspect ratio platelets.

High-temperature processing can rapidly anneal defects.

Abstract

Defects induced by liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite using sonication were studied. It was shown that localized impact by cavitation shock waves can produce bulk ripplocations and various types of dislocations in graphite nanoplatelets. Formation of ripples is more pronounced in large aspect (length/width) ratio platelets or nanobelts. Quasi-periodical ripple systems were observed in many nanobelts after sonication. Mechanism of formation of ripples and dislocations during sonication was proposed. Surprisingly, fast high-temperature processing was found to anneal most of defects. This is consistent with our observations that defects associated with ripplocations are strongly localized and thus can be fast annealed.