Copper nanoplates embedded in a graphite gallery were obtained by in situ reduction of stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 CuCl2-graphite intercalation compound precursors. The characterization results indicated that the morphology of the copper species was that of a 2-dimensional or quasi-2-dimensional nanoplate in the graphite gallery. Interaction between the metallic nanoplates and graphene sheet was also detected. The hexagonal graphene network restricted the crystallization orientation of the copper nanoparticles, and, at the same time, the finite space between the graphene sheets prevented the increase of the thickness. This method would provide a convenient route to synthesize or assemble 2-dimensional metal nanoplates.

Copper nanoplates embedded in a graphite gallery were obtained by in situ reduction of stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 CuCl2-graphite intercalation compound precursors. The characterization results indicated that the morphology of the copper species was that of a 2-dimensional or quasi-2-dimensional nanoplate in the graphite gallery. Interaction between the metallic nanoplates and graphene sheet was also detected. The hexagonal graphene network restricted the crystallization orientation of the copper nanoparticles, and, at the same time, the finite space between the graphene sheets prevented the increase of the thickness. This method would provide a convenient route to synthesize or assemble 2-dimensional metal nanoplates.