Hydrazine reduced exfoliated graphene/graphene oxide layers and?magnetoconductance measurements of Ge-supported graphene layers

Inexpensive production and characteristic magnetoconductance fluctuation of Ge-supported stable graphene/graphene oxide layers are being reported. The changeover from graphite to graphene oxide structure during synthesis was evident from X-ray diffraction patterns whereas development of mono and bilayer graphene/graphene oxide was confirmed by electron microscopy studies. Responding to applied magnetic fields (up to 0.3 T), the Ge-supported graphene layers are shown to exhibit prominent magnetoconductance steps and are attributed to the alteration of Landau levels across the Fermi surface. While low-cost fabrication process is attractive for large scale production, the advantage of short synthesis time and understanding magneto-transport mechanism would find relevance in graphene-based nanodevices and circuits.     

Free-standing optoelectronic graphene–CdS–graphene oxide composite paper produced by vacuum-assisted self-assembly

Free-standing optoelectronic graphene–CdS–graphene oxide (G–CdS–GO) composite papers were prepared by vacuum-assisted self-assembly. G–CdS hybrids were first prepared by a hydrothermal method and GO acts as a dispersant which makes it easier to disperse them to form relatively stable aqueous suspensions for fabricating paper. Transmission electron microscopy shows that CdS quantum dots (QDs) with an average size of approximately 1–2 nm were distributed uniformly on the graphene sheets. Photoluminescence measurements for the as-prepared G–CdS–GO composite paper showed that the surface defect related emissions of attached CdS QDs decrease and blue shift obviously due to the change in particle size and the interaction of the surface of the CdS QDs with both the GO and the graphene sheets. The resulting paper holds great potential for applications in thin film solar cells, sensors, diodes, and so on.     

S-shaped current–voltage characteristics of polymer composite films containing graphene and graphene oxide particles

The resistive switching effects in composite films containing polyfunctional polymers, such as derivatives of carbazole (PVK), fluorene (PFD), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and also graphene particles (Gr) and graphene oxide (GO), the concentration of which in the polymer matrices varied in the range from 1 to 3 wt % corresponding to the percolation threshold in such systems, have been studied. The analysis of the elemental composition of the investigated composites by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have shown that the oxidation degree of Gr in GO is about 9 to 10%. It has been established that a sharp conductivity jump characterized by S-shaped current-voltage curves and the presence of their hysteresis occurs upon applying a voltage pulse to the Au/PVK (PFD; PVC): Gr (GO)/ITO/PET structures, where ITO is indium tin oxide, and PET is poly(ethylene terephthalate), with the switching time, t, in the range from 1 to 30 μs. The observed effects are attributed to the influence of redox reactions taking place on the Gr and GO particles enclosed in the polymer matrix, and the additional influence of thermomechanical properties of the polymer constituent of the matrix.

     

Preparation of SnO2–graphene from SnS–graphene oxide for enhanced reversible lithium ion storage

SnO₂–graphene nanocomposites (SnO₂–GNS) have been prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with SnS–graphene oxide composites as the precursor. The composite material as prepared was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that SnO₂ nanoparticles possess a good dispersion on the surface of graphene. Electrochemical tests demonstrate the high reversible lithium ion storage properties of SnO₂–GNS. The nanocomposites retained a reversible capacity of 503 mAh?g^?1 after 40 cycles. Moreover, the composite material exhibited higher capacity and better cyclic performance compared to free SnO₂ nanoparticles physically mixed with graphene in the relative weight ratio. The results suggest that the combination of SnO₂ and graphene leads to synergistic performance, which enhances lithium ion storage properties of the overall system.     

Elucidating synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles/graphene oxide in free-scavenger γ-irradiation

Three representative noble metal (Ag, Au and Pt) nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide (NMNPs/GO) composites were fabricated via γ-irradiation without scavenger. The NMNPs/GO composites exhibited the pure and well-dispersed particles structure, which directly illustrated that the GO could be acted as scavenger to benefit reduction and growth of NMNPs. Compared with irradiated GO (IGO), the GO substrate of composites had the lower relative content of hydroxyl groups, meanwhile, the relative contents of carbonyl groups (Pt > Au > Ag) were increased with increasing valence of noble metal. Such results illustrated that the abundant hydroxyl groups could convert the hydrated electrons, hydroxyl and hydrogen radicals to promote the growth of NMNPs on the surface of GO. In addition, the Raman signals of Ag NPs/GO composites were significantly enhanced (6.18 fold more than pristine GO, respectively), exhibiting obvious surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity. Therefore, this paper revealed that the GO could convert the hydrated electrons and radicals to synthetizing NMNPs/GO composites during γ-ray irradiation.     

Reflective graphene oxide absorber for passively mode-locked laser operating at nearly 1μm

A low cost and simply fabricated reflective graphene oxide is successfully made. By using this absorber, as well as an end reflector, we obtain a passively mode-locked Yb:LuYSiO5 laser operating at nearly 1 μm. When the pump power is increased up to 5.73 W, stable mode locking is achieved. The central wavelength of the laser spectrum is 1043.2 nm with a pulse duration of 5.0 ps. When the pump power reaches 8.16 W, dual-wavelength mode locking laser pulses at 1036.3 nm and 1043.5 nm are simultaneously detected.     

Self-assembly of metal–organic frameworks and graphene oxide as precursors for lithium-ion battery applications

We fabricated composites of Fe₂O₃/reduced graphene oxide as lithium-ion batteries anode material with controlled structures by employing self-assembly of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and polymer-functionalized graphene oxide as precursors. By electrostatic interaction, the negatively charged MOFs, Prussian Blue (PB), are assembled on poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)-functionalized graphene oxide (positive charge). Then the PB cubes become FeOOH nanosheets when treated with sodium hydroxide. Upon further annealing, the FeOOH nanosheets transform to Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles while the graphene oxide become reduced graphene oxide simultaneously. It was found that the composites have good performance as anode of lithium-ion battery. This work shows a new way for self-assembling MOFs and 2D materials.     

Hydrolysis precipitation synthesis of monodisperse α-Fe2O3 nanorods/graphene oxide nanocomposites

A nanocomposite of graphene oxide supported by monodisperse rod-like α-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals (GO/α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites) has been fabricated through a simple hydrolysis precipitation route in a water–ethanol system. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The GO/α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites are GO nanosheets decorated randomly by α-Fe₂O₃ nanorods with diameters in the range of 3–5 nm and lengths of 20–30 nm, while only hollow α-Fe₂O₃ microspheres constructed by the radically oriented single-crystalline nanorods are observed in the absence of GO. Compared with pure α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, α-Fe₂O₃/GO nanocomposites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity as evident from the degradation of rhodamine B in water under UV irradiation. The superior photocatalytic activity performance of α-Fe₂O₃/GO nanocomposites could be attributed to the synergetic effect between the conducting GO nanosheets and monodisperse α-Fe₂O₃ nanorods.     

Sonochemically synthesized mono and bimetallic Au–Ag reduced graphene oxide based nanocomposites with enhanced catalytic activity

Graphene oxide (GO) supported Ag and Au mono-metallic and Au–Ag bimetallic catalysts were synthesized using a sonochemical method. Bimetallic catalysts containing different weight ratios of Au and Ag were loaded onto GO utilizing a low frequency horn-type ultrasonicator. High frequency ultrasonication was used to efficiently reduce Ag(I) and Au(III) ions in the presence of polyethylene glycol and 2-propanol. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM–EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to analyze the morphology, size, shape and chemical oxidation states of the prepared metallic catalysts on GO. The catalytic efficiency of the prepared catalysts were compared using 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction reaction and the subsequent formation of 4-aminophenol (4-AP) that was also monitored using UV–vis spectrophotometry. The results revealed that Au–Ag–GO bimetallic catalysts showed high activity for the conversion of 4-NP to 4-AP than their monometallic counterparts. Amongst different weight ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) between Au and Ag, the 1:2 (Au:Ag) catalyst exhibited very good catalytic performance for the conversion of 4-NP to 4-AP. A total reduction of 4-NP took place within a short period of time if Au–GO was reduced first followed by Ag reduction, whereas a lower reduction rate was observed if Ag–GO was reduced first. The same trend was observed for all the ratios of bimetallic catalysts prepared by this method. The initial unfavorable reduction potential of Ag(I) is likely to be responsible for the above order. It was found that applying dual frequency ultrasonication was a highly effective way of preparing bimetallic catalysts requiring relatively low levels of added chemicals and producing bimetallic catalysts with GO with improved catalytic efficiency.     

Free-standing,curled and partially reduced graphene oxide network as sulfur host for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur(Li–S) batteries have received more and more attention because of higher specific capacity and energy density of sulfur than current lithium–ion batteries. However, the low electrical conductivity of sulfur and its discharge product, and also the high dissolution of polysulfides restrict the Li–S battery practical applications. To improve their performances, in this work, we fabricate a novel free-standing, curled and partially reduced graphene oxide(CPrGO for short) network and combine it with sulfur to form a CPrGO–S composite as a cathode for Li–S battery. With sulfur content of 60 wt%, the free-standing CPrGO–S composite network delievers an initial capacity of 988.9 m Ah·g~(-1). After 200 cycles,it shows a stable capacity of 841.4 m Ah·g~(-1) at 0.2 C, retaining about 85% of the initial value. The high electrochemical performance demonstrates that the CPrGO–S network has great potential applications in energy storage system. Such improved properties can be ascribed to the unique free-standing and continous CPrGO–S network which has high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity. In addition, oxygen-containing groups on the partially reduced graphene oxide are beneficial to preventing the polysulfides from dissolving into electrolyte and can mitigate the "shuttle effect".     

Concept of infrared photodetector based on graphene–graphene nanoribbon structure

We study the mechanisms of photoconductivity in graphene layer–graphene nanoribbon–graphene layer (GL–GNR–GL) structures with the i-type gapless GL layers as sensitive elements and I-type GNRs as barrier elements. The effects of both an increase in the electron and hole densities under infrared illumination and the electron and hole heating and cooling in GLs are considered. The device model for a GL–GNR–GL photodiode is developed. Using this model, the dark current, photocurrent, and responsivity are calculated as functions of the structure parameters, temperature, and the photon energy. The transition from heating of the electron–hole plasma in GLs to its cooling by changing the incident photon energy can result in the change of the photoconductivity sign from positive to negative. It is demonstrated that GL–GNR–GL photodiodes can be used in effective infrared and terahertz detectors operating at room temperature. The change in the photoconductivity sign can be used for the discrimination of the incident radiation with the wavelength 2–3 μm and 8–12 μm.     

Bipolar resistive switching of solution processed TiO2–graphene oxide nanocomposite for nonvolatile memory applications

In this study, we report the observation of memory effect in TiO₂–GO nanocomposite films. Electrical properties of the prepared Al/TiO₂–GO composite/ITO devices have shown stable and reproducible bipolar resistive switching behavior. The TiO₂–GO composite films were prepared using solution method by spin coating technique. Observed results have shown that the inclusion of GO in the TiO₂ matrix have exhibited a significant role in the resistive switching mechanism. The device has exhibited an excellent memory characteristic with low operating voltages, good endurance up to 10⁵ cycles and long retention time more than 5×10³ s$5\times {10}^3\text{s}$.     

Improved mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced PTFE composites by growing graphene oxide on carbon fiber surface

The mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites depend upon fiber-matrix interfacial properties. To improve the mechanical properties of ?bers/PTFE composites without sacri?cing tensile strength of ?bers, graphene oxide (GO) was introduced onto the surface of CFs by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). This hybrid coating increased the wettability and surface roughness of carbon fibers, which led to improved affinity between the carbon fibers and PTFE matrix. The resulting hybrid-coated carbon fiber-reinforced composites showed an enhancement in the short beam strength compared to un-coated carbon fiber composites. Meanwhile, a signi?cant increase of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), interface shear strength tests (IFSS) and impact property were achieved in the 5-min-modi?ed CFs.     

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by ultrasonic-assisted electrospray TiO2/graphene oxide on polyacrylonitrile/β-cyclodextrin nanofibrous membranes

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) composite nanofibrous membranes immobilized with nano-titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by electrospinning and ultrasonic-assisted electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that TiO₂ and GO were more evenly dispersed on the surface and inside of the nanofibers after 45 min of ultrasonic treatment. Adding TiO₂ and GO reduced the fiber diameter; the minimum fiber diameter was 84.66 ± 40.58 nm when the mass ratio of TiO₂-to-GO was 8:2 (PAN/β-CD nanofibrous membranes was 191.10 ± 45.66 nm). Using the anionic dye methyl orange (MO) and the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) as pollutant models, the photocatalytic activity of the nanofibrous membrane under natural sunlight was evaluated. It was found that PAN/β-CD/TiO₂/GO composite nanofibrous membrane with an 8:2 mass ratio of TiO₂-to-GO exhibited the best degradation efficiency for the dyes. The degradation efficiency for MB and MO were 93.52 ± 1.83% and 90.92 ± 1.52%, respectively. Meanwhile, the PAN/β-CD/TiO₂/GO composite nanofibrous membrane also displayed good antibacterial properties and the degradation efficiency for MB and MO remained above 80% after 3 cycles. In general, the PAN/β-CD/TiO₂/GO nanofibrous membrane is eco-friendly, reusable, and has great potential for the removal of dyes from industrial wastewaters.     

Formation of graphene quantum dots by “Planting” hydrogen atoms at a graphene nanoribbon

Different technological approaches for creating graphene quantum dots by the adsorption of hydrogen atoms are considered. The adsorption can occur both at convex portions of a distorted graphene nanoribbon and in the structure formed by two distorted graphene nanoribbon rows superimposed on each other at the places free from the ribbon crossings. It is shown that settlement of hydrogen atoms at convex portions of the nanoribbons is energetically favorable. This gives rise to the creation of insulating graphane (CH) nanodomains separating the conducting regions. As a result, a graphene quantum dot appears. The variation of the electron spectra of graphene quantum dots with the length of these graphane regions is discussed.     

Is graphene on copper doped?

Angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy have been used to characterise epitaxially ordered graphene grown on copper foil by low‐pressure chemical vapour deposition. A short vacuum anneal to 200 °C allows observation of ordered low energy electron diffraction patterns. High quality Dirac cones are measured in ARPES with the Dirac point at the Fermi level (undoped graphene). Annealing above 300 °C produces n‐type doping in the graphene with up to 350 meV shift in Fermi level, and opens a band gap of around 100 meV.

     

基于graphene条带的硅纳米结构

采用分子动力学模拟方法研究了graphene条带上生长硅纳米结构的过程,分析了不同温度下硅原子在graphene条带边沿生成的新型纳米结构.研究表明,随机分布的硅原子吸附到锯齿型graphene条带边沿在不同的温度T下可生成不同类型的硅纳米结构：300K≤T<2000K时形成无规则的团簇,2000K≤T≤2800K时形成单原子链结构,2800K<T<3900K时形成含缺陷的硅链结构,T≥3900K时硅原子逐渐替代条带边沿的碳原子直至graphene条带破坏.而硅原子吸附到扶手椅型graphene条带边沿在300K≤T<3000 K内仅能形成非链状的不定型的硅纳米结构. 关键词： graphene 硅 纳米结构 分子动力学模拟     

Photoluminescence study on amino functionalized dysprosium oxide–zinc oxide composite bifunctional nanoparticles

An organic dispersion of 9–15 nm size stable dysprosium oxide incorporated zinc oxide nanocomposites exhibiting luminescence in the visible region has been synthesised by a wet chemical precipitation technique at room temperature. Tetraethoxysilane TEOS [(C₂H₅O)₄Si], (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTS) and a 1:1 mixture of TEOS–APTS have been used as capping agents to control the particle size as well as to achieve uniform dispersion of composite nanoparticles in methanol medium. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis reveals the formation phase of amino-functionalised colloidal dysprosium oxide incorporated ZnO composite nanoparticles to be of zincite structure. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images show that the particles are spheroids in shape, having average crystalline sizes ranging from 9 to 15 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) observed in these composites has been attributed to the presence of near band edge excitonic emission and existence of defect centres. The time correlated single photon counting studies of the composite nanoparticles exhibited three decay pathways. The enhanced PL emission intensity of solid state fluorescence spectra of samples is attributed to the absence of vibrational relaxation process.