Self-Planarization of High-Performance Graphene Liquid Crystalline Fibers by Hydration
Hong Ju Jung, Suchithra Padmajan Sasikala, Kyung Eun Lee, Ho Seong Hwang, Taeyeong Yun, In Ho Kim, Sung Hwan Koo, Rishabh Jain, Gang San Lee, Yun Ho Kang, Jin Goo Kim, Jun Tae Kim, Sang Ouk Kim
Abstract
-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) dispersion has significant influences on the mesophase structures and physical properties of wet-spun GFs. Notably, 2 wt % of water successfully hydrates GO flakes in NMP dope to form a stable graphene oxide liquid crystal (GOLC) phase. Furthermore, 4 wt % of water addition causes spontaneous planarization of wet-spun GFs. Motivated from these interesting findings, we develop highly electroconductive and mechanically strong flat GFs by introducing highly crystalline electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EG) in the wet-spinning of NMP-based GOLC fibers. The resultant high-performance hybrid GFs can be sewn on cloth, taking advantage of the mechanical robustness and high flexibility.