Three-Dimensional Graphene Nano-Networks with High Quality and Mass Production Capability via Precursor-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition

Abstract

We report a novel approach to synthesize chemical vapor deposition-grown three-dimensional graphene nano-networks (3D-GNs) that can be mass produced with large-area coverage. Annealing of a PVA/iron precursor under a hydrogen environment, infiltrated into 3D-assembled-colloidal silicas reduces iron ions and generates few-layer graphene by precipitation of carbon on the iron surface. The 3D-GN can be grown on any electronic device-compatible substrate, such as Al2O3, Si, GaN, or Quartz. The conductivity and surface area of a 3D-GN are 52 S/cm and 1,025 m2/g, respectively, which are much better than the previously reported values. Furthermore, electrochemical double-layer capacitors based on the 3D-GN have superior supercapacitor performance with a specific capacitance of 245 F/g and 96.5% retention after 6,000 cycles due to the outstanding conductivity and large surface area. The excellent performance of the 3D-GN as an electrode for supercapacitors suggests the great potential of interconnected graphene networks in nano-electronic devices and energy-related materials.

High Energy Density Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on NiOOH/Ni3S2/3D Graphene and Fe3O4/Graphene Composite Electrodes

“…On the basis of the G to 2D peak intensity ratios, the as-grown 3D-G consists of bi- to few-layer graphene sheets 27 . The non-uniformity is attributed to the polycrystalline nature of the nickel foam, in which individual nickel grains may independently affect the thickness of the graphene film during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) 27 . The morphology of the 3D-G sample after the hydrothermal reaction was also characterized by SEM.…”

Bulk scale growth of CVD graphene on Ni nanowire foams for a highly dense and elastic 3D conducting electrode

“…In order to produce high quality graphene with relatively few defects and a highly interconnected structure, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method has been employed, using 3D metal structures as catalyst foams, such as a commercial Ni foam [5], Ni mesh [17], Ni nanoparticles [18,19], a reduced Ni precursor [20] and so on [21,22]. 3D graphene foams have been prepared by the etching of the metal catalyst after the CVD process.…”

High surface area graphene foams by chemical vapor deposition

“…However, these studies did not report on the control of the resulting pore dimensions. The pore sizes in graphene nano-networks fabricated using poly(vinyl alcohol)/iron infiltrated into 3D-assembledcolloidal silicas might be tunable by the size of the silica spheres [34]. However, this and all the other reported materials [29,31,32,33] did not exhibit single-layer graphene characteristics.…”