One-Step Synthesis of Graphene, Copper and Zinc Oxide Graphene Hybrids via Arc Discharge: Experiments and Modeling

Abstract

In this paper, we report on a modified arc process to synthetize graphene, copper and zinc oxide graphene hybrids. The anode was made of pure graphite or graphite mixed with metals or metal oxides. After applying a controlled direct current, plasma is created in the interelectrode region and the anode is consumed by eroding. Continuous and abundant flux of small carbon, zinc or copper species, issued from the anode at a relatively high temperature, flows through the plasma and condenses in the vicinity of a water-cooled cathode leading to few-layered graphene sheets and highly ordered carbon structures. When the graphite rod is filled with copper or zinc oxide nanoparticles, few layers of curved graphene films were anchored with spherical Cu and ZnO nanoparticles leading to a one-step process synthesis of graphene hybrids, which combine the synergetic properties of graphene along with nanostructured metals or semiconducting materials. The as-prepared samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), energy filtered elemental mapping and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition to the experimental study, numerical simulations were performed to determine the velocity, temperature and chemical species distributions in the arc plasma under specific graphene synthesis conditions, thereby providing valuable insight into growth mechanisms.

Pd/fMC−NiO Synergistic, Promotional Effect and Cooperation Induced Electrocatalysis towards Ethylene Glycol Electrooxidation: Experimental Approach and DFT Calculations

“…D and G band at intensity peaks occurred at 1310 cm −1 and 1580 cm −1 ascribed to the graphitic structure of carbon, showing the disordered sp 2 and sp 3 defect sites. The D band also called the disorder band, is commonly weak in graphite but becomes Raman active via a disorder‐induced double resonance Raman process; this triggers in‐plane breathing vibrations of the aromatic ring structure (A 1g symmetry) [48] . Therefore, the D‐band intensity is directly proportional to the defects in the synthesized materials.…”

“…The D band also called the disorder band, is commonly weak in graphite but becomes Raman active via a disorderinduced double resonance Raman process; this triggers in-plane breathing vibrations of the aromatic ring structure (A 1g symmetry). [48] Therefore, the D-band intensity is directly proportional to the defects in the synthesized materials. Their defects act as active sites and help the interaction of Pd particles, thus increasing catalyst loading.…”

Bioanalytical Applications of Graphene Quantum Dots for Circulating Cell-Free Nucleic Acids: A Review

“…The action of creating a current between two electrodes (usually graphite rods) that causes them to vaporize is known as arc discharge. As a result, soot is produced, which may contain different graphene-based nanomaterials . Hoffman and Krastchmer used the arc-discharge method to create buckminsterfullerene for the first time in 1990.…”

“…As a result, soot is produced, which may contain different graphene-based nanomaterials. 46 Hoffman and Krastchmer used the arc-discharge method to create buckminsterfullerene for the first time in 1990. The arc-discharge technique produces pure, B-doped graphene in the form of soot collected in the electric oven during the arc-discharge process.…”

Spin-dependent transmission in curved graphene superlattice

“…Different techniques have been used to produce corrugated graphene, mainly electric arc discharge [4,5], and [6], which led to the first discovery of this class of materials. Indeed, it has become possible to create undulations by means of electrostatic manipulation [7].…”