Gas phase condensation of few-layer graphene with rotational stacking faults in an electric-arc

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates an efficient method for synthesizing few-layer graphene with rotational stacking faults using a magnetic field modulated electric-arc, analyzing how buffer gases influence the process and proposing control strategies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel electric-arc synthesis technique for FLG with controlled stacking faults and provides insights into optimizing production rate and layer control.

Findings

Efficient production of FLG at a few grams per minute.

Buffer gases significantly affect anode erosion and deposit formation.

A growth mechanism for FLG with rotational stacking faults is proposed.

Abstract

We report the synthesis efficiency of few-layer graphene (FLG) in an external magnetic field modulated DC carbon arc in different non-reactive buffer gases. The effects of buffer gases on the anode erosion rate and the cathode deposit (CD) formation rate have been investigated during the synthesis of FLG. The constituents of the as-synthesized CDs were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. A plausible growth mechanism of such FLG is predicted. The results indicate that, under a parametrically optimized condition, an electric-arc of this kind can efficiently generate FLG with rotational stacking faults at a production-rate of few g/min. A guideline for controlling the number of layers of such FLG has also been suggested.