Magnetic hysteresis loop as a probe to distinguish single layer from many layer graphitic structure

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that magnetic hysteresis loops can effectively differentiate single-layer from multi-layer graphitic structures by analyzing their magnetic behavior under varying magnetic fields.

Contribution

The paper introduces a magnetic hysteresis loop method as a novel probe to distinguish between single and multi-layer graphitic structures, supported by experimental synthesis and analysis.

Findings

Ferromagnetic-like hysteresis observed below a critical magnetic field.

Cross-over to diamagnetic behavior occurs above the critical field.

Annealing reduces the critical cross-over field and increases magnetization in multilayer structures.

Abstract

In this report we have pointed out that magnetic hysteresis loop can be used as a probe to distinguish a single layer from a many layer graphitic structure. Chemically we have synthesized graphitic oxide (GO) and reduced graphitic oxide (RGO) for this investigation. We observe ferromagnetic like hysteresis loops for both GO and RGO below a certain applied critical magnetic field and above this critical field we observe cross-over of the positive magnetization to negative magnetization leading to diamagnetic behaviour. This cross-over is more dominant for the case of many layer graphitic structure. Upon annealing of GO in air the critical cross-over field decreases and the magnetization increases for multilayer graphitic structure. Possible reasons for all these observations and phenomena is presented here.