Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a method to enhance graphene films by cross-linking graphene nanolayers with rotaxanes.

This method improves stretchability, strength, and conductivity of graphene films.

The study, published in Angewandte Chemie, shows that the new graphene-rotaxane foils can be stretched up to 20% without damage.

These foils retain high electric conductivity and have increased tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness compared to traditional graphene foils.

This advancement opens up new applications for flexible electronics, advanced batteries, and aerospace composite materials.

The research was funded by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission.