The invention provides a process for exfoliating a 3-dimenisonal layered material to produce a 2-dimensional material, said process comprising the steps of mixing the layered material in a water-surfactant solution to provide a mixture wherein the material and atomic structural properties of the layered material in the mixture are not altered; applying energy, for example ultrasound, to said mixture; and applying a force, for example centrifugal force, to said mixture. The invention provides a fast, simple and high yielding process for separating 3-dimensional layered materials into individual 2-dimensional layers or flakes, which do not re-aggregate, without utilising hazardous solvents.