The extraordinary and unique properties of graphene make it a very promising robust atomic-scale scaffold candidate for the design of new nanomaterials. Many efforts focus on the transformation of graphene for different potential applications. To introduce graphene use into the field of energetic materials, we show a simple and effective method of modifying graphene with the energetic functional groups nitro (–NO2) and nitrate ester (–ONO2) by chemical functionalization. Graphene nitrate (GN) has high solubility in organic solvents, and its atom ratio of N/C can range from 1/8 to 1/3. The product shows acceptable thermal stability, under-going drastic exothermic decomposition and releasing large quantities of gas when heated under inert atmosphere. GN strip bursts into fire under flame treatment in air and burns completely. GN powders also combust in a closed system when being heated. GN is proved to be an energetic material by test results.

The extraordinary and unique properties of graphene make it a very promising robust atomic-scale scaffold candidate for the design of new nanomaterials. Many efforts focus on the transformation of graphene for different potential applications. To introduce graphene use into the field of energetic materials, we show a simple and effective method of modifying graphene with the energetic functional groups nitro (–NO2) and nitrate ester (–ONO2) by chemical functionalization. Graphene nitrate (GN) has high solubility in organic solvents, and its atom ratio of N/C can range from 1/8 to 1/3. The product shows acceptable thermal stability, under-going drastic exothermic decomposition and releasing large quantities of gas when heated under inert atmosphere. GN strip bursts into fire under flame treatment in air and burns completely. GN powders also combust in a closed system when being heated. GN is proved to be an energetic material by test results.