Exploring Interfaces Through Synchrotron Radiation Characterization Techniques: A Graphene Case

Abstract

Recently, many breakthroughs have been made in graphene research, allowing scientists to explore and understand the material world from a two‐dimensional (2D) perspective. The interface issue of graphene is the most important, because all of its atoms are exposed to the interface for this atomically thin material. The 2D nature necessitates a sensitive and non‐destructive interface probe to detect the structure and properties. Synchrotron radiation (SR) characterization techniques, with the ultra‐high resolution and extremely wide energy range, have been utilized with increasing frequency to explore the challenging interface sciences. In this review, these interface characterization techniques based on SR and how they monitor the structure evolution of graphene in different interfaces such as graphene–substrate and graphene–graphene interface are first introduced. Graphene's layer number, interlayer spacing, and stacking order are governed by these interfaces, determining the final properties. Then, the property detection and modulation in different interfaces of graphene are also discussed. Finally, the current challenges and outlook on the future development for SR techniques to characterize graphene interface are presented.

Controllable synthesis of high-entropy alloys

“…Characterization techniques based on synchrotron radiation (SR) possess the ultra-high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. 43 The electronic structure of HEAs can be characterized via SR-based hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES), which is associated with the adsorption and binding energy of intermediates. Kitagawa et al used HAXPES to demonstrate the valence band spectrum and dband center of HEAs, 42,44 providing an opportunity to understand the origin of the enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance.…”

Phase Engineering and Synchrotron-Based Study on Two-Dimensional Energy Nanomaterials

“…The electronic structure of 2D materials are also largely influenced by establishing interfaces. Unique band structures can give rise to various physical phenomena such as the half-integer quantum Hall effect, Klein tunneling effect, and ultrahigh carrier mobility. , Additionally, charge transfer and tunable electronic structures at the interface can facilitate catalytic reactions and improve battery performance . Various methods of detection, such as ARPES, are available to analyze the electronic structure of solids .…”

Employing Surface Curvature for Spatially Resolved X-Ray Reflectivity: Graphene Domains on Liquid Copper

“…These systems are promising for the growth of high-quality materials [18] but, at the same time, can be very demanding experimentally. [19] They must be adapted to high operation temperatures, high material evaporation, and exposure to a mixture of reactive gases at atmospheric pressure. In addition, they are confined to a 3 limited-size sample holder resulting in a significant wetting angle with the support, and they demand extreme surface sensitivity.…”