Large-scale synthesis of few-layer graphene from magnesium and different carbon sources and its application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

A self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method to synthesize few-layer graphene (FLG) from magnesium and different carbon sources is demonstrated. These carbon sources include CaCO 3 , 3MgCO 3 •Mg(OH) 2 •3H 2 O, glucose, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). FLG produced by SHS method has a 3D porous structure with a special nanocrystallinity, and a low amount of defects. This fast, energy saving and low cost method is competitive as a candidate for industrial production of graphene for a wide range of applications. It is found that CaCO 3 are superior to others among these starting materials according to DSC properties. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) with a FLG (produced from CaCO3) counter electrode (CE) achieves a power conversion efficiency higher than that obtained with a reference DSC using a Pt counter electrode. The charge transfer resistance of FLG DSC is 0.13 Ω cm 2 , which is more than thirty times lower than that of the DSC having a Pt counter electrode. SHS FLG has been demonstrated to be a promising alternative counter electrode in DSC.

Strategies for Scalable Gas-Phase Preparation of Free-Standing Graphene

“…Other metals, such Ca and Li, can also react with CO 2 to produce graphene with similar parameters. 34,35 Combustion is an economical and eco-friendly way to produce graphene. Compared with carbonization, the temperature of combustion is higher, where the latter is more conducive to topological defect removal for the regularization of the graphene structure.…”

Characteristics and mechanical properties of composites based on nitrile butadiene rubber using graphene nanoplatelets

“…The SHS process was carried out in an argon atmosphere at a pressure of 10 atm. Wang 28 used polyvinyl alcohol powder, CaCO 3 , MgCO 3 , and glucose for the synthesis of low-layer graphene, which were mixed with magnesium powder as carbon sources until a stoichiometric mixture was obtained. The SHS process was carried out in a carbon dioxide atmosphere with a gas flow rate of 0.5 l/s.…”

Effect of defects controlled by preparation condition and heat treatment on the ferromagnetic properties of few-layer graphene

“…Recently, we have developed a facile and cost-effective method named as self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) to produce few-layer graphene 18 . The SHS process utilizes the heat generated by the exothermic reaction of Mg and CaCO 3 to sustain itself in the form of a combustion wave after external ignition.…”

“…Ferromagnetism has also been observed in graphene materials prepared by different methods like thermal exfoliation of graphitic oxide, conversion of nano diamonds, arc evaporation of graphite in hydrogen and graphene oxide partially reduced by hydrazine and further completely reduced by thermal annealing, since graphene obtained by different methods has different types and quantity of defects 13 . Recently, we have developed a facile and cost-effective method named as self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) to produce few-layer graphene 18 . The SHS process utilizes the heat generated by the exothermic reaction of Mg and CaCO 3 to sustain itself in the form of a combustion wave after external ignition.…”