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

技术:该项目旨在(i)开发新的、可控的、可扩展的方法，在金属单晶基底上生长单层石墨烯薄膜，包括在生长温度下通过催化分解低碳溶解度金属表面的碳氢分子来实现石墨烯薄膜的自限生长；（ii）对生长机制有一个基本的了解；（iii）探索基底几何形状对石墨烯生长的影响。（iv）开发将其转移到其他衬底（如SiO2/硅）的方法，(v)研究大面积石墨烯薄膜的热、光学和电输运特性，（vi）彻底表征这些薄膜的几何和电子结构。非技术：该项目涉及材料科学主题领域的基础研究问题，具有高技术相关性。据设想，大面积石墨烯薄膜可用于许多重要的应用，如透明导电薄膜、化学和生物传感、纳米级电子器件、微纳米机电系统，以及热管理的散热器。该项目包括一个重要的教育和推广项目，包括对本科生和高中教师的研究培训，Ruoff和Ventrice教授授课的课程材料的补充，以及课程开发。在多学科环境中，研究生的强化培训和发展还有一个强有力的教育组成部分。

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.