Synthesizing and Characterizing Graphene via Raman Spectroscopy: An Upper-Level Undergraduate Experiment That Exposes Students to Raman Spectroscopy and a 2D Nanomaterial

Abstract

In this upper-level undergraduate experiment, students utilize micro-Raman spectroscopy to characterize graphene prepared by mechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The mechanically exfoliated samples are prepared by the students while CVD graphene can be purchased or obtained through outside sources. Owing to the intense Raman signal of a few-layer graphene on a 300 nm thermal oxide silicon wafer, students can learn how different instrumental parameters used in Raman microscopy affect the quality of the measurement. This experiment gives students a first-hand experience in the production of a two-dimensional nanomaterial and exposes them to the utility of micro-Raman spectroscopy as a characterization technique.

A Comparative Study of Particle Size Distribution of Graphene Nanosheets Synthesized by an Ultrasound-Assisted Method

“…It is common to calculate the ratio of peak intensity I 2D /I G . An approximate value of 2 identifies a single layer of graphene [ 50 ]. The original micrographite showed an intensity ratio of 0.38 while the graphene nanosheets obtained after the ultrasonication process had a higher ratio of 0.55, thus confirming the exfoliation of graphite again.…”

Macroscale Superlubricity Enabled by Graphene‐Coated Surfaces

“…For the high‐quality single layer graphene, defects are basically absent, leading the absence of D peak (Inset of Figure j). Due to the single layer of graphene, 2D peak is the highest compared with G peak . It is reported that the grain size is ≈160 nm in the MLG films, grown by CVD on flat SiO 2 substrates.…”

“…Due to the single layer of graphene, 2D peak is the highest compared with G peak. [19] It is reported that the grain size is ≈160 nm in the MLG films, grown by CVD on flat SiO 2 substrates. Under the same growth processes, the gain size is less than 160 nm on curved and rough surfaces.…”

“…[16] It has extraordinary electronic transport properties, exceptionally thermal conductivity, mechanical stiffness and fracture strength. [16][17][18][19][20] Graphene is a basic building block for graphitic materials of all other dimensionalities, which can be wrapped up into 0D fullerenes, rolled into 1D nanotubes and stacked into 3D graphite. [21] Due to the unique physical and mechanical properties, graphene is a promising solid lubricant with an atomically smooth surface and high chemical stability.…”

“…Graphene was found in 2004 with an atomic layer of graphite . It has extraordinary electronic transport properties, exceptionally thermal conductivity, mechanical stiffness and fracture strength . Graphene is a basic building block for graphitic materials of all other dimensionalities, which can be wrapped up into 0D fullerenes, rolled into 1D nanotubes and stacked into 3D graphite .…”