Graphene Oxide Defies Expectations When Bent

[Guest_Jim_*]

Since its discovery, graphene has been the focus of a lot of studies, as has its cousin, graphene oxide, which has special properties of its own. Now it turns out that graphene oxide has one property no one expected, and it could have some interesting implications. Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that graphene oxide undergoes an unexpected deformation when bent, just before breaking.

One of the properties graphene is known for is its great flexibility, and while it is flexible, it does have a breaking point. Once that point is reached, it will suddenly break, but graphene oxide actually deforms first, akin to how plastic bends before it breaks. This deformation was believed to be the oxygen atom disconnecting from the two carbon atoms it is connected to, as this is how it works in many other materials. What the Northwestern researchers discovered is that the bond between the two carbon atoms break and the bonds with the oxygen atoms remain.

This was discovered on the atomic scale and could be used to manipulate the material's properties to specific needs. Now the researchers are looking into the mechanical properties of graphene oxide-polymer interfaces, as this will have an impact on scaling the material up.

Source: Northwestern University

Back to original news post