Production of graphene and other two-dimensional nanosheets by liquid phase exfoliation

Abstract In 2008, it was first demonstrated that layered crystals such as graphite can be exfoliated down to monolayers in the liquid phase by a relatively simple and scalable methodology termed liquid phase exfoliation. Importantly, this strategy is widely applicably to many structures with only minor modifications to the process. By now, > 10 classes of layered materials have been made accessible as 2-dimensional nanosheets in a solution-processable for by this technique. Various exfoliation methods and stabilizers have been investigated to date. In this chapter, advancements in exfoliation and size selection are summarized and the current picture of the exfoliation mechanism outlined. Remaining challenges, open questions, and perspectives are also discussed.