Planer nano-graphenes from camphor by CVD

Camphor-Based CVD Bilayer Graphene/Si Heterostructures for Self-Powered and Broadband Photodetection

This work demonstrates a self-powered and broadband photodetector using a heterojunction formed by camphor-based chemical vaper deposition (CVD) bilayer graphene on p-Si substrates. Here, graphene/p-Si heterostructures and graphene layers serve as ultra-shallow junctions for UV absorption and zero bandgap junction materials (<Si bandgap (1.1 eV)) for long-wave near-infrared (LWNIR) absorption, respectively. According to the Raman spectra and large-area (16 × 16 μm²) Raman mapping, a low-defect, >95% coverage bilayer and high-uniformity graphene were successfully obtained by camphor-based CVD processes. Furthermore, the carrier mobility of the camphor-based CVD bilayer graphene at room temperature is 1.8 × 10³ cm²/V·s. Due to the incorporation of camphor-based CVD graphene, the graphene/p-Si Schottky junctions show a good rectification property (rectification ratio of ~110 at ± 2 V) and good performance as a self-powered (under zero bias) photodetector from UV to LWNIR. The photocurrent to dark current ratio (PDCR) value is up to 230 at 0 V under white light illumination, and the detectivity (D*) is 8 × 10¹² cmHz^1/2/W at 560 nm. Furthermore, the photodetector (PD) response/decay time (i.e., rise/fall time) is ~118/120 μs. These results support the camphor-based CVD bilayer graphene/Si Schottky PDs for use in self-powered and ultra-broadband light detection in the future.

Bio-reduction of Graphene Oxide: Catalytic Applications of (Reduced) GO in Organic Synthesis

This work is based on various bio-reduction of graphene oxide into reduced graphene oxide and their applications in organic synthesis and group transformations. Graphene oxide, with abundant oxygencontaining functional groups on its basal plane, provides potential advantages, including excellent dispersibility in solvents and the good heterogeneous catalyst. This manuscript reviews various methods of synthesis of graphene and graphene oxide and a comparative study on their advantages and disadvantages, how to overcome disadvantages and covers extensive relevant literature review. In the last few years, investigation based on replacing the chemical reduction methods by some bio-compatible, chemical/impurity-free rGO including flash photo reductions, hydrothermal dehydration, solvothermal reduction, electrochemical approach, microwave-assisted reductions, light and radiation-induced reductions has been reported. Particularly, plant extracts have been applied significantly as an efficient reducing agent due to their huge bioavailability and low cost for bio-reduction of graphene oxide. These plant extracts mainly contain polyphenolic compounds, which readily get oxidized to the corresponding unreactive quinone form, which are the driving force for choosing them as bio-compatible catalyst. Currently, efforts are being made to develop biocompatible methods for the reduction of graphene oxide. The reduction abilities of such phytochemicals have been reported in the synthesis and stabilization of various nanoparticles viz. Ag, Au, Fe and Pd. Various part of plant extract has been applied for the green reduction of graphene oxide. Furthermore, the manuscript describes the catalytic applications of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets as efficient carbo-catalysts for valuable organic transformations. Herein, important works dedicated to exploring graphene-based materials as carbocatalysts, including GO and rGO for organic synthesis including various functional group transformations, oxidation, reduction, coupling reaction and a wide number of multicomponent reactions have been highlighted. Finally, the aim of this study is to provide an outlook on future trends and perspectives for graphene-based materials in metal-free carbo-catalysis in green synthesis of various pharmaceutically important moieties.

Role of nanowire length on the performance of a self-driven NIR photodetector based on mono/bi-layer graphene (camphor)/Si-nanowire Schottky junction

In this article, we have demonstrated a solid carbon source such as camphor as a natural precursor to synthesize a large area mono/bi-layer graphene (MLG) sheet to fabricate a nanowire junction-based near infrared photodetectors (NIRPDs). In order to increase the surface-to-volume ratio, we have developed Si-nanowire arrays (SiNWAs) of varying lengths by etching planar Si. Then, the camphor-based MLG/Si and MLG/SiNWAs Schottky junction photodetectors have been fabricated to achieve an efficient response with self-driven properties in the near infrared (NIR) regime. Due to a balance between light absorption capability and surface recombination centers, devices having SiNWAs obtained by etching for 30 min shows a better photoresponse, sensitivity and detectivity. Fabricated NIRPDs can also be functioned as self-driven devices which are highly responsive and very stable at low optical power signals up to 2 V with a fast rise and decay time of 34/13 ms. A tremendous enhancement has been witnessed from 36 μA W^-1 to 22 mA W^-1 in the responsivity at 0 V for MLG/30 min SiNWAs than planar MLG/Si PDs indicating an important development of self-driven NIRPDs based on camphor-based MLG for future optoelectronic devices.

Graphene at Fifteen

Graphene is a two-dimensional nanomaterial composed of 1-10 layers of carbon atoms in a honeycomb lattice. It has been 15 years since the first isolation of few-layer graphene from graphite by the Scotch Tape method. Worldwide research efforts on graphene have been rewarded with enormous breakthroughs in fundamental science and innovative applications. To achieve an influential impact on society, graphene must be manufactured at large scales, be superior to existing products, and be safe to use. In this Perspective, we highlight relevant issues in the quest for commercialization of graphene-containing products. We showcase achievements in improving graphene synthesis while also discussing concerns regarding graphene standardization and graphene's impact on the environment and human health.

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Plasmonic Sensors: A Review

The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is a remarkable tool, with applications in almost every area of science and technology. Sensing is the foremost and majorly explored application of SPR technique. The last few decades have seen a surge in SPR sensor research related to sensitivity enhancement and innovative target materials for specificity. Nanotechnological advances have augmented the SPR sensor research tremendously by employing nanomaterials in the design of SPR-based sensors, owing to their manifold properties. Carbon-based nanomaterials, like graphene and its derivatives (graphene oxide (GO)), (reduced graphene oxide (rGO)), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and their nanocomposites, have revolutionized the field of sensing due to their extraordinary properties, such as large surface area, easy synthesis, tunable optical properties, and strong compatible adsorption of biomolecules. In SPR based sensors carbon-based nanomaterials have been used to act as a plasmonic layer, as the sensitivity enhancement material, and to provide the large surface area and compatibility for immobilizing various biomolecules, such as enzymes, DNA, antibodies, and antigens, in the design of the sensing layer. In this review, we report the role of carbon-based nanomaterials in SPR-based sensors, their current developments, and challenges.

Current and future envision on developing biosensors aided by 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) productions

Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials have triggered an intensive interest due to the fascinating physiochemical properties with the exceptional physical, optical and electrical characteristics that transpired from the quantum size effect of their ultra-thin structure. Among the family of 2D nanomaterials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) features distinct characteristics related to the existence of direct energy bandgap, which significantly lowers the leakage current and surpasses other 2D materials. In this overview, we expatiate the novel strategies to synthesize MoS₂ that cover techniques such as liquid exfoliation, chemical vapour deposition, mechanical exfoliation, hydrothermal reaction, and Van Der Waal epitaxial growth on the substrate. We extend the discussion on the recent progress in biosensing applications of the produced MoS₂, highlighting the important surface-to-volume of ultrathin MoS₂ structure, which enhances the overall performance of the devices. Further, envisioned the missing piece with the current MoS₂-based biosensors towards developing the future strategies.

Wettability of graphene: from influencing factors and reversible conversions to potential applications

As a member of the carbon material family, graphene has long been the focus of research on account of its abundant excellent properties. Nevertheless, many previous research works have attached much importance to its mechanical capacity and electrical properties, and not to its surface wetting properties with respect to water. In this review, a series of methods are put forward for characterization of the water contact angle of graphene, such as experimental measurements, classic molecular dynamics simulations, and formula calculations. A series of factors that affect the wettability of graphene, including defects, controllable atmosphere, doping, and electric field, are also discussed in detail, and have rarely have been covered in other review articles before. Finally, with the developments of smart surfaces, a reversible wettability variation of graphene from hydrophobic to hydrophilic is important in the presence of external stimulation and is discussed in detail herein. It is anticipated that graphene could serve as a tunable wettability coating for further developments in electronic devices and brings a new perspective to the construction of smart material surfaces.

Toward Mass Production of CVD Graphene Films

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is considered to be an efficient method for fabricating large-area and high-quality graphene films due to its excellent controllability and scalability. Great efforts have been made to control the growth of graphene to achieve large domain sizes, uniform layers, fast growth, and low synthesis temperatures. Some attempts have been made by both the scientific community and startup companies to mass produce graphene films; however, there is a large difference in the quality of graphene synthesized on a laboratory scale and an industrial scale. Here, recent progress toward the mass production of CVD graphene films is summarized, including the manufacturing process, equipment, and critical process parameters. Moreover, the large-scale homogeneity of graphene films and fast characterization methods are also discussed, which are crucial for quality control in mass production.

Synthesis of graphene by in situ catalytic chemical vapor deposition of reed as a carbon source for VOC adsorption

Few-layer graphene was synthesized by in situ catalytic carbon vapor deposition (CCVD) method, using reed as a carbon source and Ni, Cu, and Mg salts as the catalyst compounds. The synthesized graphene was also used for adsorption of VOCs. Furthermore, the effect of organic additives, sorbitol, and citric acid on catalyst compounds was investigated by temperature-programmed reduction analysis (H₂-TPR). The products' properties were characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. TEM and FE-SEM images confirmed the formation of graphene sheets. Activation of the graphene by phosphoric acid at 500 °C and then by CO₂ at 800 °C increased the surface area from 298 to 568 m²/g. Gasoline working capacity of the activated graphene was 65.24 g/l_adsorbent. Graphical abstract Few-layer graphene was synthesized by in situ catalytic carbon vapor deposition (CCVD) method using reed as a carbon source and Ni, Cu, and Mg salts as the catalyst compounds and used for adsorption of VOCs.

Sonication-assisted liquid-phase exfoliated α-GeTe: a two-dimensional material with high Fe3+ sensitivity

We describe sonication-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation of rhombohedral germanium telluride (α-GeTe) to obtain a good dispersion of α-GeTe nanosheets in ethanol. The thickness of the α-GeTe nanosheets is dependent on the exfoliation conditions, and few-layer α-GeTe nanosheets of 2-4 layers and even monolayer α-GeTe were obtained. We use first-principles calculations to investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of monolayer and bulk α-GeTe and compare the optical band gap of centrifugally fractionated α-GeTe nanosheet dispersions with the computational predictions. We demonstrate that few layer α-GeTe nanosheets are purified selectively through centrifugation, and they exhibit high sensitivity to Fe3+. The scalable production of two-dimensional α-GeTe nanosheets can be used in the future optoelectronic industry.

Research Progress of Gas Sensor Based on Graphene and Its Derivatives: A Review

Gas sensors are devices that convert a gas volume fraction into electrical signals, and they are widely used in many fields such as environmental monitoring. Graphene is a new type of two-dimensional crystal material that has many excellent properties including large specific surface area, high conductivity, and high Young’s modulus. These features make it ideally suitable for application for gas sensors. In this paper, the main characteristics of gas sensor are firstly introduced, followed by the preparation methods and properties of graphene. In addition, the development process and the state of graphene gas sensors are introduced emphatically in terms of structure and performance of the sensor. The emergence of new candidates including graphene, polymer and metal/metal oxide composite enhances the performance of gas detection significantly. Finally, the clear direction of graphene gas sensors for the future is provided according to the latest research results and trends. It provides direction and ideas for future research.

Synthesis of Graphene-like Films by Electrochemical Reduction of Polyhalogenated Aromatic Compounds and their Electrochemical Capacitor Applications

Graphene is a promising two-dimensional nanomaterial for many applications due to its exciting properties. In the past decade, a variety of techniques-each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages-have been developed to prepare graphene, and there are ongoing efforts to improve these techniques and to reveal new approaches. Here, we describe a simple and low-cost process for the bottom-up synthesis of graphene-like films. This new methodology involves a two-step procedure: (i) formation of polyaromatic ring structures by the repeated covalent coupling of aryl radicals generated from electrochemical reduction of polyhalogenated aromatic compounds in aprotic solvent, and (ii) production of carbon networks by heating of polyaromatic surface films. Accordingly, polymeric films were prepared on the electrodes by electrochemical reduction of polyhalogenated compounds such as hexafluorobenzene (HFB), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and hexabromobenzene (HBB), and then polymer films were annealed at 400 °C for 30 min. The structure and surface characteristics of electrodeposited carbon films under self- and thermal-annealing conditions were studied by spectroscopic and morphological techniques. Also, the capacitance performance of the films was evaluated by means of cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results indicate that graphene-like carbon films can be achieved by use of the electrochemical approach under mild conditions without expensive equipment, and also that these carbon materials are very promising for low-cost energy-storage devices.

One-Step Laser Patterned Highly Uniform Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin Films for Circuit-Enabled Tattoo and Flexible Humidity Sensor Application

The conversion of graphene oxide (GO) into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is imperative for the electronic device applications of graphene-based materials. Efficient and cost-effective fabrication of highly uniform GO films and the successive reduction into rGO on a large area is still a cumbersome task through conventional protocols. Improved film casting of GO sheets on a polymeric substrate with quick and green reduction processes has a potential that may establish a path to the practical flexible electronics. Herein, we report a facile deposition process of GO on flexible polymer substrates to create highly uniform thin films over a large area by a flow-enabled self-assembly approach. The self-assembly of GO sheets was successfully performed by dragging the trapped solution of GO in confined geometry, which consisted of an upper stationary blade and a lower moving substrate on a motorized translational stage. The prepared GO thin films could be selectively reduced and facilitated from the simple laser direct writing process for programmable circuit printing with the desired configuration and less sample damage due to the non-contact mode operation without the use of photolithography, toxic chemistry, or high-temperature reduction methods. Furthermore, two different modes of the laser operating system for the reduction of GO films turned out to be valuable for the construction of novel graphene-based high-throughput electrical circuit boards compatible with integrating electronic module chips and flexible humidity sensors.

Self-propagated combustion synthesis of few-layered graphene: an optical properties perspective

This paper describes a labour efficient and cost-effective strategy to prepare few-layered of reduced graphene oxide like (RGOL) sheets from graphite. The self-propagated combustion route enables the bulk production of RGOL sheets. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the formation of few-layer graphene sheets of an average thickness of ∼3 nm and the presence of some oxygen functional groups with a C/O ratio of 8.74. A possible mechanistic pathway for the formation of RGOL sheets is proposed. The optical properties of the RGOL sample were studied in detail by means of Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE). The experimental abilities of SE in relating the optical properties with the number of oxygen functionalities present in the samples are explored. The data were analysed by a double-layered optical model along with the Drude-Lorentz oscillatory dispersion relation. The refractive index (n = 2.24), extinction coefficient (k = 2.03), and dielectric functions are obtained using point-by-point analysis and are also checked for Kramers-Kronig (KK) consistency.

Three-dimensional porous graphene networks expand graphene-based electronic device applications

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for 3D porous graphene structures with excellent 2D characteristics and great potential. As one avenue, several approaches for fabricating 3D porous graphene network structures have been proposed to realize multi-functional graphene materials with 2D graphene structures. Herein, we overview characteristics of 3D porous graphene for applications in future electronic devices along with physical insights into "2D to 3D graphene", in which the characters of 2D graphene such as massless Dirac fermions are well preserved. The present review thus summarizes recent 3D porous graphene studies with a perspective for providing new and board applications of graphene in electronic devices.

Switching isotropic and anisotropic graphene growth in a solid source CVD system

Controlling the flow rate of carrier gases tunes the mode of growth from anisotropic to isotropic along with enlarging the crystal size.

Top-down fabrication of hierarchical nanocubes on nanosheets composite for high-rate lithium storage

A top-down method was developed to synthesize a “nanocubes on nanosheets” hierarchical structure composite for high-rate lithium storage.

Influence of Carbon Fillers on Thermal Properties and Flammability of Polymeric Nanocomposites

Undesirable features of polymeric materials include insufficient thermal stability under specified exploitation conditions and too high flammability. These features depend on the chemical structure of polymer macromolecules, and composition of polymeric composites. Polymeric materials with increased thermal stability and improved resistance to the action of fire are produced with the use of various types of fillers with nanometric dimensions. Among numerous nanofillers, carbon-based nanofillers such as graphite nanoplatelets, carbon nanotubes and graphenes (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and modified graphene) play an essential role. The aim of this report is to highlight the latest findings concerning the effect of carbon fillers, mainly graphene and carbon nanotubes on the thermal properties and flammability of polymer nanocomposites.

Effect of Graphite Nanoplate Morphology on the Dispersion and Physical Properties of Polycarbonate Based Composites

The influence of the morphology of industrial graphite nanoplate (GNP) materials on their dispersion in polycarbonate (PC) is studied. Three GNP morphology types were identified, namely lamellar, fragmented or compact structure. The dispersion evolution of all GNP types in PC is similar with varying melt temperature, screw speed, or mixing time during melt mixing. Increased shear stress reduces the size of GNP primary structures, whereby the GNP aspect ratio decreases. A significant GNP exfoliation to individual or few graphene layers could not be achieved under the selected melt mixing conditions. The resulting GNP macrodispersion depends on the individual GNP morphology, particle sizes and bulk density and is clearly reflected in the composite’s electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. Based on a comparison with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB), CNT are recommended in regard to electrical conductivity, whereas, for thermal conductive or gas barrier application, GNP is preferred.

Recent Advances in Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials

Since the discovery of mechanically exfoliated graphene in 2004, research on ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has grown exponentially in the fields of condensed matter physics, material science, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Highlighting their compelling physical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties, as well as their various potential applications, in this Review, we summarize the state-of-art progress on the ultrathin 2D nanomaterials with a particular emphasis on their recent advances. First, we introduce the unique advances on ultrathin 2D nanomaterials, followed by the description of their composition and crystal structures. The assortments of their synthetic methods are then summarized, including insights on their advantages and limitations, alongside some recommendations on suitable characterization techniques. We also discuss in detail the utilization of these ultrathin 2D nanomaterials for wide ranges of potential applications among the electronics/optoelectronics, electrocatalysis, batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, photocatalysis, and sensing platforms. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in this promising field are featured on the basis of its current development.

Numerical Investigation of the Fracture Mechanism of Defective Graphene Sheets

Despite the unique occurrences of structural defects in graphene synthesis, the fracture mechanism of a defective graphene sheet has not been fully understood due to the complexities of the defects. In this study, the fracture mechanism of the monolayer graphene with four common types of defects (single vacancy defect, divacancy defect, Stone–Wales defect and line vacancy defect) were investigated systematically for mechanical loading along armchair and zigzag directions, by using the finite element method. The results demonstrated that all four types of defects could cause significant fracture strength loss in graphene sheet compared with the pristine one. In addition, the results revealed that the stress concentration occurred at the carbon–carbon bonds along the same direction as the displacement loading due to the deficiency or twist of carbon–carbon bonds, resulting in the breaking of the initial crack point in the graphene sheet. The fracture of the graphene sheet was developed following the direction of the breaking of carbon–carbon bonds, which was opposite to that of the displacement loading.

Synthesis of Pb nanowires-Au nanoparticles nanostructure decorated with reduced graphene oxide for electrochemical sensing

Graphene sheets are a sp²-hybridized carbon material that offer extraordinary electrical conductivity and excellent thermal and mechanical properties. They are expected to find use in a wide variety of applications. In this study, a new novel electrocatalyst, a Pb nanowires-Au nanoparticles nanocomposite decorated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO-Pb NWs-Au NPs), was successfully synthesized by an effective and simple approach. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to observe the as-prepared nanomaterial. In addition, the electrochemical behaviors of a rGO-Pb NWs-Au NPs-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The final prepared sensor exhibited favorable electroreduction activity towards H₂O₂ with a remarkable sensitivity of 552.43µAmM^-1cm^-2, a wide linear range of 0.005-1.25mM, a detection limit of 0.6µM and a rapid response time (within 5s). Moreover, the sensor also exhibited good reproducibility, selectivity and stability. Therefore, the present work also provides a potential practicable approach to fabricate various of non-enzymatic amperometric sensors, such as sensors for the detection of glucose, urea, ascorbic acid and dopamine.

Review of the synthesis, transfer, characterization and growth mechanisms of single and multilayer graphene

Graphene has emerged as the most popular topic in the active research field since graphene's discovery in 2004 by Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov.

Chlorine-Induced In Situ Regulation to Synthesize Graphene Frameworks with Large Specific Area for Excellent Supercapacitor Performance

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene frameworks are usually limited by a complicated preparation process and a low specific surface area. This paper presents a facile suitable approach to effectively synthesize 3D graphene frameworks (GFs) with large specific surface area (up to 1018 m(2) g(-1)) through quick thermal decomposition from sodium chloroacetate, which are considerably larger than those of sodium acetate reported in our recent study. The chlorine element in sodium chloroacetate may possess a strong capability to induce in situ activation and regulate graphene formation during pyrolysis in one step. These GFs can be applied as excellent electrode materials for supercapacitors and can achieve an enhanced supercapacitor performance with a specific capacitance of 266 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.5 A g(-1).

Graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites: biomedical applications and biosafety

Graphene is the first carbon-based two dimensional atomic crystal and has gained much attention since its discovery by Geim and co-workers in 2004.

Synthesis and applications of large-area single-layer graphene

The progresses in syntheses of large-area single-layer graphene and applications in membrane separation are summarized in this review.

Graphene-based cobalt sulfide composite hydrogel with enhanced electrochemical properties for supercapacitors

The three-dimensional cobalt sulfides/graphene hydrogel nanocomposites were prepared via a one-step method in a water–isopropanol system with enhanced electrochemical performance.

Advanced Graphene-Based Binder-Free Electrodes for High-Performance Energy Storage

The increasing demand for energy has triggered tremendous research effort for the development of high-performance and durable energy-storage devices. Advanced graphene-based electrodes with high electrical conductivity and ion accessibility can exhibit superior electrochemical performance in energy-storage devices. Among them, binder-free configurations can enhance the electron conductivity of the electrode, which leads to a higher capacity by avoiding the addition of non-conductive and inactive binders. Graphene, a 2D material, can be fabricated into a porous and flexible structure with an interconnected conductive network. Such a conductive structure is favorable for both electron and ion transport to the entire electrode surface. In this review, the main processes used to prepare binder-free graphene-based hybrids with high porosity and well-designed electron conductive networks are summarized. Then, the applications of free-standing binder-free graphene-based electrodes in energy-storage devices are discussed. Future research aspects with regard to overcoming the technological bottlenecks are also proposed.

Synthesis of high quality two-dimensional materials via chemical vapor deposition

The synthesis of high quality two-dimensional materials such as graphene, BN, and transition metal dichalcogenides by CVD provides a new opportunity for large scale applications.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted much attention due to their unique properties and great potential in various applications. Controllable synthesis of 2D materials with high quality and high efficiency is essential for their large scale applications. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been one of the most important and reliable techniques for the synthesis of 2D materials. In this perspective, the recent advances in the CVD growth of three typical types of two-dimensional materials, graphene, boron nitride and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), are briefly introduced. Large area preparation, single crystal growth and some mechanistic insight are discussed with details. Finally we give a brief comment on the challenges of CVD growth of 2D materials.