Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Torch Synthesis of Free-Standing Graphene Nanosheets
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| Year of publication | 2018 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Last decade 2-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures such as graphene nanosheets [1], nanoribbons and carbon nanowalls have attracted much research interest, due to their remarkable properties combining high mechanical strength and flexibility, exceptional electronic and thermal conductivity, high carrier mobility and optical transparency. Research conducted both on fundamental and application levels of graphene and its derivatives led to an impressive number of scientific reports on the topics of hydrogen and energy storage, reinforcement of polymer composites, electronics, electrochemical devices or gas sensors [2-5]. Our deposition process discussed in this work used microwave plasma torch discharge (2.45 GHz, ~200 W) operating at atmospheric pressure conditions to synthesize graphene nanosheets with rectangular shape and typical size of hundreds of nanometres. Argon flowing through the central channel (in the range 300-1000 sccm) of the nozzle was used as the working gas to ignite the discharge. Liquid ethanol was used as precursor for the nanosheets synthesis. Mixture consisting of ethanol vapours and additional argon flow (in the range 300-1400 sccm) was delivered into plasma environment by outer channel of the nozzle, where decomposition of ethanol molecules takes place. Wide range of deposition conditions resulted in the synthesis of different types of carbon material. Working within specific range of deposition conditions led to synthesis of graphene sheets. Such prepared material was used to perform different electrochemical measurements including gas sensing of ammonia and cyclic voltammetry characterization using ferro/ferricyanide and dopamine as redox species. Prepared samples were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to probe the morphological, chemical and microstructural features of the produced material. |
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