Graphene oxide (GO) is an important starting material for developing chemically modified graphene for use in a variety of important technical applications that include energy-related materials sensors, biomedical materials, polymer compositions for fuel cells and as liquid crystals. Graphene oxide can be formed into a dispersions in solvents including water and DMF. However it is unclear why GO forms stable dispersions in some solvents and not in others. It is becoming increasingly evident that the structure of the solvents has a strong influence on particle behaviour as their dimensions approach the nanoscale. In this proposal we will use neutron diffraction to examine the structure of the water and DMF solvation shell surrounding graphene oxide nanoparticles at high concetrations. An understanding of this solvent-nanoparticle interaction will help optimise liquid crystal formation.