Time Evolution of the Growth of Single Graphene Crystals and High Resolution Isotope Labeling

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-resolution isotope labeling technique to observe real-time growth dynamics of graphene during chemical vapor deposition, revealing anisotropic growth, dendrite formation, and parameter dependencies.

Contribution

The study presents a novel isotope labeling method enabling real-time visualization of graphene growth at seconds-scale resolution, advancing understanding of growth mechanisms.

Findings

Identified anisotropic growth rates of graphene crystals.

Observed dendrite formation during growth.

Demonstrated dependence of growth on methane adsorption area.

Abstract

We developed a method of precise isotope labeling to visualize the continuous growth of graphene by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This method allows us to see in real time the growth of graphene monocrystals at a resolution of a few seconds. This technique is used to extract the anisotropic growth rates, the formation of dendrites, and the dependence on adsorption area of methane on copper. We obtain a physical picture of the growth dynamics of graphene and its dependence on various parameters. Finally, our method is relevant to other CVD grown materials.