In LPE, the bulk material is mixed with a solvent and subjected to ultrasonic energy or high shear forces. The mechanical forces disrupt the van der Waals interactions between the layers of the bulk material, causing them to exfoliate into single or few-layered nanosheets. The choice of solvent is crucial as it must have a surface energy that matches the nanomaterial to ensure effective exfoliation and stabilization of the sheets in suspension.
