Facile Construction of Novel 3-Dimensional Graphene/Amorphous Porous Carbon Hybrids with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties

Presently, porous materials have become essential to many technological applications. In this account, 3-dimensional skeleton composite materials consisting of a core-shell amorphous porous carbon/multilayer graphene are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition on Ni foam using a facile one-step growth method. The data suggest that these composites have not only outstanding electrical and mechanical properties of the multilayer graphene but also the mesoporous characteristics of the amorphous carbon. Moreover, the composited carbon materials perfectly inherit the macroporous structure of Ni foam, and the amorphous carbon core in the skeleton serves as a cushion to buffer the volume variation after the removal of Ni. The carbon composites reveal ultralow density (4.45 mg cm^-3) and high conductivity (45 S cm^-1), essentially issued from the perfectly preserved structural integrity of graphene. The novel carbon composites can be used as anodes for lithium ion batteries. After these carbon composites are incorporated with NaBiO₃, superior electrochemical activities above 2 V can be achieved with a discharge capacity of ∼300 mAh g^-1.

Fast low-temperature plasma reduction of monolayer graphene oxide at atmospheric pressure

We report on an ultrafast plasma-based graphene oxide reduction method superior to conventional vacuum thermal annealing and/or chemical reduction. The method is based on the effect of non-equilibrium atmospheric-pressure plasma generated by the diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge in proximity of the graphene oxide layer. As the reduction time is in the order of seconds, the presented method is applicable to the large-scale production of reduced graphene oxide layers. The short reduction times are achieved by the high-volume power density of plasma, which is of the order of 100 W cm^-3. Monolayers of graphene oxide on silicon substrate were prepared by a modified Langmuir-Schaefer method and the efficient and rapid reduction by methane and/or hydrogen plasma was demonstrated. The best results were obtained for the graphene oxide reduction in hydrogen plasma, as verified by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

Versatile p-Type Chemical Doping to Achieve Ideal Flexible Graphene Electrodes

We report effective solution-processed chemical p-type doping of graphene using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (CF3 SO3 H, TFMS), that can provide essential requirements to approach an ideal flexible graphene anode for practical applications: i) high optical transmittance, ii) low sheet resistance (70 % decrease), iii) high work function (0.83 eV increase), iv) smooth surface, and iv) air-stability at the same time. The TFMS-doped graphene formed nearly ohmic contact with a conventional organic hole transporting layer, and a green phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode with the TFMS-doped graphene anode showed lower operating voltage, and higher device efficiencies (104.1 cd A(-1) , 80.7 lm W(-1) ) than those with conventional ITO (84.8 cd A(-1) , 73.8 lm W(-1) ).

Preparation of Highly Dispersed Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified with Carboxymethyl Chitosan for Highly Sensitive Detection of Trace Cu(II) in Water

In this article, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) composites (RGO/CMC) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method through in-situ reduction and modification of graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of CMC. An electrochemical sensor for the determination of Cu(II) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was constructed by an electrode modified with RGO/CMC. The fabricated electrochemical sensor shows a linear range of 0.02⁻1.2 μmol·L^-1, a detection limit of 3.25 nmol·L^-1 (S/N = 3) and a sensitivity of 130.75 μA·μmol·L^-1·cm^-2, indicating the sensor has an excellent detection performance for Cu(II).

A facile method for transparent carbon nanosheets heater based on polyimide

Transparent carbon nanosheet film heaters are fabricated by spin-coating of poly(amic acid) on quartz substrates following by carbonization process. These thin films show the transparency of 55–90% at 550 nm and sheet resistance of 14.7 to 1.6 kΩ sq⁻¹.

Graphene-graphene oxide floating gate transistor memory

A novel transparent, flexible, graphene channel floating-gate transistor memory (FGTM) device is fabricated using a graphene oxide (GO) charge trapping layer on a plastic substrate. The GO layer, which bears ammonium groups (NH3+), is prepared at the interface between the crosslinked PVP (cPVP) tunneling dielectric and the Al2 O3 blocking dielectric layers. Important design rules are proposed for a high-performance graphene memory device: (i) precise doping of the graphene channel, and (ii) chemical functionalization of the GO charge trapping layer. How to control memory characteristics by graphene doping is systematically explained, and the optimal conditions for the best performance of the memory devices are found. Note that precise control over the doping of the graphene channel maximizes the conductance difference at a zero gate voltage, which reduces the device power consumption. The proposed optimization via graphene doping can be applied to any graphene channel transistor-type memory device. Additionally, the positively charged GO (GO-NH3+) interacts electrostatically with hydroxyl groups of both UV-treated Al2 O3 and PVP layers, which enhances the interfacial adhesion, and thus the mechanical stability of the device during bending. The resulting graphene-graphene oxide FGTMs exhibit excellent memory characteristics, including a large memory window (11.7 V), fast switching speed (1 μs), cyclic endurance (200 cycles), stable retention (10(5) s), and good mechanical stability (1000 cycles).

Flexible and transparent metallic grid electrodes prepared by evaporative assembly

We propose a novel approach to fabricating flexible transparent metallic grid electrodes via evaporative deposition involving flow-coating. A transparent flexible metal grid electrode was fabricated through four essential steps including: (i) polymer line pattern formation on the thermally evaporated metal layer onto a plastic substrate; (ii) rotation of the stage by 90° and the formation of the second polymer line pattern; (iii) etching of the unprotected metal region; and (iv) removal of the residual polymer from the metal grid pattern. Both the metal grid width and the spacing were systematically controlled by varying the concentration of the polymer solution and the moving distance between intermittent stop times of the polymer blade. The optimized Au grid electrodes exhibited an optical transmittance of 92% at 550 nm and a sheet resistance of 97 Ω/sq. The resulting metallic grid electrodes were successfully applied to various organic electronic devices, such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and organic solar cells (OSCs).

Graphene: Synthesis, bio-applications, and properties

The properties of graphene, carbon sheets that are only one atom wide, have led researchers and companies to consider its synthesis, properties, and the applications in numerous fields. High-quality graphene is physically powerful, light, nearly transparent, and an exceptional conductor of heat and electricity. Its interactions with other materials and with light and its naturally two-dimensional nature produce unique properties, such as the bipolar transistor effect, ballistic transport of charges, and large quantum oscillations. The following review introduces the many potential applications of graphene.

Systematic control of the excited-state dynamics and carrier-transport properties of functionalized benzo[ghi]perylene and coronene derivatives

A series of benzo[ghi]perylene (Bp) and coronene (Cor) derivatives substituted with electron-withdrawing methoxycarbonyl (COOMe) or electron-donating methoxyl (MeO) groups was synthesized. The electrochemical, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties of these compounds were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy, and quantum-yield measurements. Introduction of suitable substituents onto the aromatic rings enabled control of electrochemical and spectroscopic behavior. Examination of excited-state dynamics revealed that fluorescence quantum yields increased with increasing number of COOMe groups in both Bp and Cor derivatives, consistent with the findings of DFT calculations. Single-crystal analysis allowed the performance of field-effect transistors containing single crystals of the derivatives to be rationalized.

One-step synthesis of carbon nanosheets converted from a polycyclic compound and their direct use as transparent electrodes of ITO-free organic solar cells

Through a catalyst- and transfer-free process, we fabricated indium tin oxide (ITO)-free organic solar cells (OSCs) using a carbon nanosheet (CNS) with properties similar to graphene. The morphological and electrical properties of the CNS derived from a polymer of intrinsic microporosity-1 (PIM-1), which is mainly composed of several aromatic hydrocarbons and cycloalkanes, can be easily controlled by adjusting the polymer concentration. The CNSs, which are prepared by simple spin-coating and heat-treatment on a quartz substrate, are directly used as the electrodes of ITO-free OSCs, showing a high efficiency of approximately 1.922% under 100 mW cm(-2) illumination and air mass 1.5 G conditions. This catalyst- and transfer-free approach is highly desirable for electrodes in organic electronics.

Graphene oxide-based antibacterial cotton fabrics

Graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent bacteria-killing nanomaterial. In this work, macroscopic applications of this promising nanomaterial by fixing GO sheets onto cotton fabrics, which possess strong antibacterial property and great laundering durability, are reported. The GO-based antibacterial cotton fabrics are prepared in three ways: direct adsorption, radiation-induced crosslinking, and chemical crosslinking. Antibacterial tests show that all these GO-containing fabrics possess strong antibacterial property and could inactivate 98% of bacteria. Most significantly, these fabrics can still kill >90% bacteria even after being washed for 100 times. Also importantly, animal tests show that GO-modified cotton fabrics cause no irritation to rabbit skin. Hence, it is believed that these flexible, foldable, and re-usable GO-based antibacterial cotton fabrics have high promise as a type of new nano-engineered antibacterial materials for a wide range of applications.

Ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical immunoassay of indole-3-acetic acid based on the MPA modified CdS/RGO nanocomposites decorated ITO electrode

A novel ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical immunosensor was fabricated based on 3-mercaptopropionic acid stabilized CdS/reduced graphene oxide (MPA-CdS/RGO) nanocomposites for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) detection. The MPA-CdS/RGO nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ solvothermal growth of triangulated pyramidal CdS nanoparticles on the RGO sheet. 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was employed as the modifier and bridge to immobilize the antibody. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and UV/vis spectra. The results showed that the MPA-CdS/RGO nanocomposites revealed enhanced photocurrent response due to excellent electron transport properties of RGO and the improved assembly of CdS nanoparticles onto RGO sheet with the introduction of MPA. Based on the dependence of the photocurrent decline on the concentration of IAA, the proposed photoelectrochemical immunosensor for IAA depicted a linear range from 0.1 to 1000 ng/mL with a lower detection limit (0.05 ng/mL). The high sensitivity, reproducibility and specificity of the method permitted the method suitable to be used in real samples.

Reduced graphene oxide nanoribbon networks: a novel approach towards scalable fabrication of transparent conductive films

An innovative approach is developed for the high-throughput, large-area, and low-cost fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanoribbon networks by using electrospun polymer-based nanowires as the etching mask. Combined with their tunable, controllable structures and transmittance/conductivity properties, the as-fabricated RGO nanoribbon networks exhibit potential as transparent conductive film electrodes, for example, in electrochromic devices.

Graphene-contact electrically driven microdisk lasers

Active nanophotonic devices are attractive due to their low-power consumption, ultrafast modulation speed and high-density integration. Although electrical operation is required for practical implementation of these devices, it is not straightforward to introduce a proper current path into such a wavelength-scale nanostructure without affecting the optical properties. For example, to demonstrate electrically driven nanolasers, complicated fabrication techniques have been used thus far. Here we report an electrically driven microdisk laser using a transparent graphene electrode. Current is injected efficiently through the graphene sheet covering the top surface of the microdisk cavity, and, for the first time, lasing operation was achieved with a low-threshold current of ~300 μA at room temperature. In addition, we measured significant electroluminescence from a graphene-contact subwavelength-scale single nanopillar structure. This work represents a new paradigm for the practical applications of integrated photonic systems, by conformally mounting graphene on the complex surfaces of non-planar three-dimensional nanostructures.

Evaluation of solution-processable carbon-based electrodes for all-carbon solar cells

Carbon allotropes possess unique and interesting physical, chemical, and electronic properties that make them attractive for next-generation electronic devices and solar cells. In this report, we describe our efforts into the fabrication of the first reported all-carbon solar cell in which all components (the anode, active layer, and cathode) are carbon based. First, we evaluate the active layer, on standard electrodes, which is composed of a bilayer of polymer sorted semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and C(60). This carbon-based active layer with a standard indium tin oxide anode and metallic cathode has a maximum power conversion efficiency of 0.46% under AM1.5 Sun illumination. Next, we describe our efforts in replacing the electrodes with carbon-based electrodes, to demonstrate the first all-carbon solar cell, and discuss the remaining challenges associated with this process.

Thinnest two-dimensional nanomaterial-graphene for solar energy

Graphene is a rapidly rising star in materials science. This two-dimensional material exhibits unique properties, such as low resistance, excellent optical transmittance, and high mechanical and chemical stabilities. These exceptional advantages possess great promise for its potential applications in photovoltaic devices. In this Review, we present the status of graphene research for solar energy with emphasis on solar cells. Firstly, the preparation and properties of graphene are described. Secondly, applications of graphene as transparent conductive electrodes and counter electrodes are presented. Thirdly, graphene-based electron- (or hole) accepting materials for solar energy conversion are evaluated. Fourthly, the promoting effect of graphene on photovoltaic devices and the photocatalytic property of graphene-semiconductor composites are discussed. Finally, the challenges to increase the power conversion efficiency of graphene-based solar cells are explored.

Graphene: the new two-dimensional nanomaterial

Every few years, a new material with unique properties emerges and fascinates the scientific community, typical recent examples being high-temperature superconductors and carbon nanotubes. Graphene is the latest sensation with unusual properties, such as half-integer quantum Hall effect and ballistic electron transport. This two-dimensional material which is the parent of all graphitic carbon forms is strictly expected to comprise a single layer, but there is considerable interest in investigating two-layer and few-layer graphenes as well. Synthesis and characterization of graphenes pose challenges, but there has been considerable progress in the last year or so. Herein, we present the status of graphene research which includes aspects related to synthesis, characterization, structure, and properties.