Unforeseen high temperature and humidity stability of FeCl$_3$ intercalated few layer graphene

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that FeCl₃ intercalated few-layer graphene remains stable under extreme humidity and temperature conditions, making it a promising material for flexible transparent electronic devices.

Contribution

First systematic analysis showing the exceptional stability of FeCl₃ intercalated graphene under high humidity and temperature conditions, surpassing previous stability expectations.

Findings

Stable at 100% humidity for 25 days

Resistant up to 150°C in atmosphere

Endures up to 620°C in vacuum

Abstract

We present the first systematic study of the stability of the structure and electrical properties of FeCl$_3$ intercalated few-layer graphene to high levels of humidity and high temperature. Complementary experimental techniques such as electrical transport, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy conclusively demonstrate the unforeseen stability of this transparent conductor to a relative humidity up to $100 \%$ at room temperature for 25 days, to a temperature up to $150\,^\circ$C in atmosphere and up to a temperature as high as $620\,^\circ$C in vacuum, that is more than twice higher than the temperature at which the intercalation is conducted. The stability of FeCl$_3$ intercalated few-layer graphene together with its unique values of low square resistance and high optical transparency, makes this material an attractive transparent conductor in future flexible electronic applications.