Derivitization of pristine graphene with well-defined chemical functionalities.

Covalent functionalization of pristine graphene poses considerable challenges due to the lack of reactive functional groups. Herein, we report a simple and general method to covalently functionalize pristine graphene with well-defined chemical functionalities. It is a solution-based process where solvent-exfoliated graphene was treated with perfluorophenylazide (PFPA) by photochemical or thermal activation. Graphene with well-defined functionalities was synthesized, and the resulting materials were soluble in organic solvents or water depending on the nature of the functional group on PFPA.