Synthesis and Structural Analysis of Multilayered Graphene via Microwave Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

TL;DR

This paper presents a rapid, catalyst-free method for synthesizing multilayered graphene sheets using microwave atmospheric pressure plasma, confirmed by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses.

Contribution

It introduces an innovative microwave plasma technique for efficient graphene synthesis without catalysts or complex processing.

Findings

Successful synthesis of multilayered graphene confirmed by Raman spectroscopy.

Presence of defects with an ID/IG ratio of 0.80.

Estimated 7-10 layers of graphene based on spectral analysis.

Abstract

This study reports the successful synthesis of multilayered graphene sheets via microwave atmospheric pressure plasma. This innovative approach streamlines and expedites graphene production and other carbon nanostructures, eliminating the need for catalysts, solvents, or complex processing conditions. Ethanol is directly injected into a microwave-generated argon plasma plume, leading to the formation of graphene. Raman spectroscopy revealed characteristic peaks (2D, G, and D bands) confirming graphene composition, with defects indicated by the D band. X-ray diffraction analysis supported these findings, indicating a broad peak at 25 degree corresponding to the (002) plane, affirming a multi-layered graphene structure. Scanning electron microscopy exhibited crumpled, randomly oriented graphene sheets, albeit with uneven structures suggesting impurity incorporation. The presence of defects was quantified through the intensity ratio of the D to G band (ID/IG) in Raman spectroscopy, revealing a value of 0.80, signifying the presence of defects in the synthesized graphene. The 2D to G band intensity ratio (I2D/IG) suggested the existence of 7-10 graphene layers, highlighting the need for further optimization for enhanced graphene quality and purity.