Abstract: A carbon fiber and graphene compounded high-strength porous material, and a gas diffusion layer and a preparation method therefor are provided. The carbon material integrates respective structures and characteristic advantages of a carbon fiber and graphene, complements each other, and has characteristics such as high mechanical strength (the carbon fiber is not cut off), hierarchical pore gradient distribution, good air permeability, good electric conductivity, good thermal conductivity, light weight, and high stability. The preparation method includes process steps such as graphene preparation, filament split of a carbon fiber bundle by spreading a liquid film, adsorption and anchoring of a filament by means of graphene, graphene coating, and high-temperature treatment. In the preparation process of the carbon-based gas diffusion layer, the carbon fiber is not cut off, the strength of the carbon fiber is kept, and the carbon-based gas diffusion layer is suitable for roll-to-roll batch preparation.

Abstract: Methods of forming graphene by graphite exfoliation, wherein the methods include: providing a graphite sample having atomic layers of carbon; introducing a salt and a solvent into the space between the atomic layers; expanding the space between the atomic layers using organic molecules and ions from the solvent and the salt; and separating the atomic layers using a driving force to form one or more sheets of graphene; the graphene produced by the methods can be used to form solar cells, to perform DNA analysis, and for other electrical, optical and biological applications.

Abstract: Processes for forming expanded hexagonal layered minerals (HLMs) and derivatives thereof using electrochemical charging are disclosed. The process includes employing HLM rocks (20) as electrodes (100) immersed in an electrolytic slurry (50) that includes an organic solvent, metal ions and expanded HLM (24). The electrolysis introduces organic solvent and ions from the metal salt from the slurry into the interlayer spacings that separate the atomic interlayers of the HLM rock, thereby forming 1st-stage charged HLM that exfoliates from the HLM rock. The process includes expanding the electrochemically 1st-stage charged HLM by applying an expanding force.

Abstract: Processes for forming expanded hexagonal layered minerals (HLMs) and derivatives thereof using electrochemical charging are disclosed. The process includes employing HLM rocks (20) as electrodes (100) immersed in an electrolytic slurry (50) that includes an organic solvent, metal ions and expanded HLM (24). The electrolysis introduces organic solvent and ions from the metal salt from the slurry into the interlayer spacings that separate the atomic interlayers of the HLM rock, thereby forming 1st-stage charged HLM that exfoliates from the HLM rock. The process includes expanding the electrochemically 1st-stage charged HLM by applying an expanding force.