Collaborative Research: Synthesis and Characterization of Single-layer Graphene Films with Large Lateral Dimensions

技术支持：该项目旨在（i）开发在金属单晶衬底上生长单层石墨烯膜的新的、可控的和可扩展的方法，包括通过在生长温度下具有低碳溶解度的金属表面上的烃分子的催化分解来自限制石墨烯膜的生长，（ii）发展对生长机制的基本理解，（iii）探索基底几何形状对石墨烯生长的影响，（iv）开发将它们转移到其他基底（例如SiO2/硅）的方法，（v）研究大面积石墨烯膜的热、光和电输运性质，和（vi）彻底表征这些薄膜的几何和电子结构。非技术性：该项目涉及材料科学领域的基础研究问题，具有高度的技术相关性。可以设想，大面积石墨烯膜可用于许多重要的应用中，例如用于透明导电膜、用于化学和生物传感、用于纳米级电子器件、用于微机电系统和纳米机电系统以及用作热管理的热扩散器。该项目包括一个重要的教育和推广计划，包括对本科生和高中教师的研究培训，在Ruoff教授和Pastice教授的课堂上增加课程材料，以及课程开发。在多学科环境中对研究生进行强化培训和发展还有一个很强的教育组成部分。

Technical: This project aims to (i) develop new, controllable, and scalable methods of growing monolayer graphene films on metal single-crystal substrates, involving self-limited growth of graphene films by the catalytic decomposition of hydrocarbon molecules at the surfaces of metals with low carbon solubility at the growth temperature, (ii) develop a fundamental understanding of the growth mechanisms, (iii) explore the effects of substrate geometry on graphene growth, (iv) develop methods for their transfer to other substrates such as SiO2/silicon, (v) investigate the thermal, optical, and electrical transport properties of the large-area graphene films, and (vi) thoroughly characterize the geometric and electronic structure of these films.Non-technical: The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of materials science with high technological relevance. It is envisioned that large-area graphene films be used in a host of important applications such as for transparent electrically conductive films, for chemical and biological sensing, for nanoscale electronic devices, in micro- and nano-electromechanical systems, and as heat diffusers for thermal management. The project includes a significant program in education and outreach, including research training for undergraduate students and high school teachers, additions to course materials in classes taught by Professors Ruoff and Ventrice, and curriculum development. There is a further strong education component in the intensive training and development of graduate students in a multidisciplinary environment.