Ionic Solutions of Two-Dimensional Materials

Typical methods for forming liquid dispersions of nanoparticles rely on physical forces being applied to a system in which the reaggrigation is minimised through surface modification. Here we present a scalable method for synthesising undamaged two-dimensional nanosheets in solution. This is done by first intercalating a layered material with alkali metals to form layered material salts, that when simply added to polar solvent, form ionic solutions. The nanosheets made in this gentle manner maintain the morphology of the starting material, are stable against reaggregation and can create liquids containing exclusively monolayers. Electroplating allows for the removal of the charge from the anionic nanosheets and allows for controlled deposition upon the electrode. This method allows for the scalable production and controllable manipulation of 2d nanosheets.