Graphene is a material with enormous potential for numerous applications. Therefore, significant efforts are dedicated to large‐scale graphene production using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. In addition, research is directed at developing methods to incorporate graphene in established production technologies and process flows. In this paper, we present a brief review of available CVD methods for graphene synthesis. We also discuss scalable methods to transfer graphene onto desired substrates. Finally, we discuss potential applications that would benefit from a fully scaled, semiconductor technology compatible production process.
Two-dimensional
(2D) materials, such as graphene, are seen as potential candidates
for fabricating electronic devices and circuits on flexible substrates.
Inks or dispersions of 2D materials can be deposited on flexible substrates
by large-scale coating techniques, such as inkjet printing and spray
coating. One of the main issues in coating processes is nonuniform
deposition of inks, which may lead to large variations of properties
across the substrates. Here, we investigate the role of surface morphology
on the performance of graphene ink deposited on different paper substrates
with specific top coatings. Substrates with good wetting properties
result in reproducible thin films and electrical properties with low
sheet resistance. The correct choice of surface morphology enables
high-performance films without postdeposition annealing or treatment.
Scanning terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is introduced
to evaluate both the uniformity and the local conductivity of graphene
inks on paper. A paper-based strain gauge is demonstrated and a variable
resistor acts as an on–off switch for operating an LED. Customized
surfaces can thus help in unleashing the full potential of ink-based
2D materials.
Electrochemically
exfoliated graphene (e-G) thin films on Nafion
membranes exhibit a selective barrier effect against undesirable fuel
crossover. This approach combines the high proton conductivity of
state-of-the-art Nafion and the ability of e-G layers to effectively
block the transport of methanol and hydrogen. Nafion membranes are
coated with aqueous dispersions of e-G on the anode side, making use
of a facile and scalable spray process. Scanning transmission electron
microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy confirm the formation
of a dense percolated graphene flake network, which acts as a diffusion
barrier. The maximum power density in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
operation with e-G-coated Nafion N115 is 3.9 times higher than that
of the Nafion N115 reference (39 vs 10 mW cm–2@0.3
V) at a 5M methanol feed concentration. This suggests the application
of e-G-coated Nafion membranes for portable DMFCs, where the use of
highly concentrated methanol is desirable.
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