143 research outputs found
In situ observations of freestanding single-atom-thick gold nanoribbons suspended in graphene
Bulk gold's attributes of relative chemical inertness, rarity, relatively low melting point and its beautiful sheen make it a prized material for humans. Recordings suggest it was the first metal employed by humans dating as far back to the late Paleolithic period approximate to 40 000 BC. However, at the nanoscale gold is expected to present new and exciting properties, not least in catalysis. Moreover, recent studies suggest a new family of single-atom-thick two-dimensional (2D) metals exist. This work shows single-atom-thick freestanding gold membranes and nanoribbons can form as suspended structures in graphene pores. Electron irradiation is shown to lead to changes to the graphene pores which lead to dynamic changes of the gold membranes which transition to a nanoribbon. The freestanding single-atom-thick 2D gold structures are relatively stable to electron irradiation for extended periods. The work should advance the development of 2D gold monolayers significantly.Web of Scienceart. no. 200043
Electron Beam-Induced Reduction of Cuprite
Cu-based materials are used in various industries, such as electronics, power generation, and catalysis. In particular, monolayered cuprous oxide (Cu2O) has potential applications in solar cells owing to its favorable electronic and magnetic properties. Atomically thin Cu2O samples derived from bulk cuprite were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Two voltages, 80 kV and 300 kV, were explored for in situ observations of the samples. The optimum electron beam parameters (300 kV, low-current beam) were used to prevent beam damage. The growth of novel crystal structures, identified as Cu, was observed in the samples exposed to isopropanol (IPA) and high temperatures. It is proposed that the exposure of the copper (I) oxide samples to IPA and temperature causes material nucleation, whereas the consequent exposure via e-beams generated from the electron beam promotes the growth of the nanosized Cu crystals
The catalytic potential of high-k dielectrics for graphene formation
The growth of single and multilayer graphene nano-flakes on MgO and ZrO2 at
low temperatures is shown through transmission electron microscopy. The
graphene nano-flakes are ubiquitously anchored at step edges on MgO (100)
surfaces. Density functional theory investigations on MgO (100) indicate C2H2
decomposition and carbon adsorption at step-edges. Hence, both the experimental
and theoretical data highlight the importance of step sites for graphene growth
on MgO
Hydrophilic non-precious metal nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for enhanced efficiency in oxygen reduction reaction
Exploring the role of surface hydrophilicity of non-precious metal N-doped carbon electrocatalysts in electrocatalysis is challenging. Herein we discover an ultra-hydrophilic non-precious carbon electrocatalyst, showing enhanced catalysis efficiency on both gravimetric and areal basis for oxygen reduction reaction due to a high dispersion of active centres
Recommended from our members
Microscopic insight into the bilateral formation of carbon spirals from a symmetric iron core
Mirrored carbon-spirals have been produced from pressured ferrocene via the bilateral extrusion of the spiral pairs from an iron core. A parametric plot of the surface geometry displays the fractal growth of the conical helix made with the logarithmic spiral. Electron microscopy studies show the core is a crystalline cementite which grows and transforms its shape from spherical to biconical as it extrudes two spiralling carbon arms. In a cross section along the arms we observe graphitic flakes arranged in a herringbone structure, normal to which defects propagate. Local-wave-pattern analysis reveals nanoscale defect patterns of two-fold symmetry around the core. The data suggest that the bilateral growth originates from a globular cementite crystal with molten surfaces and the nano-defects shape emerging hexagonal carbon into a fractal structure. Understanding and knowledge obtained provide a basis for the controlled production of advanced carbon materials with designed geometries
Recommended from our members
Hydrophilic non-precious metal nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for enhanced efficiency in oxygen reduction reaction
Exploring the role of surface hydrophilicity of non-precious metal
N-doped carbon electrocatalysts in electrocatalysis is challenging.
Herein we discover an ultra-hydrophilic non-precious carbon electrocatalyst,
showing enhanced catalysis efficiency on both gravimetric
and areal basis for oxygen reduction reaction due to a high dispersion
of active centres
Graphene: Piecing it together
Graphene has a multitude of striking properties that make it an exceedingly
attractive material for various applications, many of which will emerge over
the next decade. However, one of the most promising applications lie in
exploiting its peculiar electronic properties which are governed by its
electrons obeying a linear dispersion relation. This leads to the observation
of half integer quantum hall effect and the absence of localization. The latter
is attractive for graphene-based field effect transistors. However, if graphene
is to be the material for future electronics, then significant hurdles need to
be surmounted, namely, it needs to be mass produced in an economically viable
manner and be of high crystalline quality with no or virtually no defects or
grains boundaries. Moreover, it will need to be processable with atomic
precision. Hence, the future of graphene as a material for electronic based
devices will depend heavily on our ability to piece graphene together as a
single crystal and define its edges with atomic precision. In this progress
report, the properties of graphene that make it so attractive as a material for
electronics is introduced to the reader. The focus then centers on current
synthesis strategies for graphene and their weaknesses in terms of electronics
applications are highlighted.Comment: Advanced Materials (2011
CVD growth of large area smooth-edged graphene nanomesh by nanosphere lithography
Current etching routes to process large graphene sheets into nanoscale graphene so as to open up a bandgap tend to produce structures with rough and disordered edges. This leads to detrimental electron scattering and reduces carrier mobility. In this work, we present a novel yet simple direct-growth strategy to yield graphene nanomesh (GNM) on a patterned Cu foil via nanosphere lithography. Raman spectroscopy and TEM characterizations show that the as-grown GNM has significantly smoother edges than post-growth etched GNM. More importantly, the transistors based on as-grown GNM with neck widths of 65-75 nm have a near 3-fold higher mobility than those derived from etched GNM with the similar neck widths
Recommended from our members
Graphene transfer methods: A review
Graphene is a material with unique properties that can be exploited in electronics, catalysis, energy, and bio-related fields. Although, for maximal utilization of this material, high-quality graphene is required at both the growth process and after transfer of the graphene film to the application-compatible substrate. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is an important method for growing high-quality graphene on non-technological substrates (as, metal substrates, e.g., copper foil). Thus, there are also considerable efforts toward the efficient and non-damaging transfer of quality of graphene on to technologically relevant materials and systems. In this review article, a range of graphene current transfer techniques are reviewed from the standpoint of their impact on contamination control and structural integrity preservation of the as-produced graphene. In addition, their scalability, cost- and time-effectiveness are discussed. We summarize with a perspective on the transfer challenges, alternative options and future developments toward graphene technology
- …