Simple and cost-effective "spray" graphene preparation method

Researchers have designed a way to "spray graphene" on a variety of surfaces

Although there are many excellent features and potential applications, graphene has not been widely used. Because of the current large-scale preparation, the difficulties in evenness and coating defects (breakage) have not yet been overcome. But now, scientists have designed a "spray-type" preparation method and have actually increased the production of graphene.

With the Laval nozzle to accelerate droplets to supersonic speeds, Professor Sam S. Yoon of Korea University has designed a kinetic spray deposition system.

Professor Alexander Yarin of the University of Illinois at Chicago believes that this technology can be used to make "liquid-loaded suspended graphene sheets."

It is reported that the results of the cooperation between the two can be used on various substrates and produce a smooth and uniform layer of graphene. After the liquid evaporates rapidly, the uniformly distributed flakes left behind will not come together, but no large gaps will be created in the middle.

Scientists have been looking for a "perfect" monolithic coating, but in this study, they were surprised to find that the material was able to repair defects on the film itself during deposition.

The researchers speculate that it may be that the material is hitting the substrate at supersonic speeds, so the "imperfect" graphene is forced to expand in all directions, and the interconnected carbon atoms return to a more uniform hexagon. arrangement.

Yarin said the new process is simple and inexpensive, not only for any substrate, but also does not require post-processing. Its research report has been published in the latest issue of Advanced Functional Materials.