How many defects in graphene would kill its conductivity?

In summary, the research found that defects in graphene over time significantly reduce its conductivity. To significantly affect conductivity, the graphene should be exposed to cosmic rays for a certain amount of time.
  • #1
Droctagonopus
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I had a random idea about the effect of cosmic rays on graphene's conductivity. I found out that cosmic rays would create defects in graphene over time. How many of these defects would significantly reduce the conductivity of graphene? How do I go about calculating how much time the graphene should be exposed to cosmic rays to significantly affect conductivity?
 
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  • #2
You can calculate this yourself; you will need the cosmic ray flux, the damage rate of graphene for cosmic rays, and the effect of defects upon graphene conductivity.

Summary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphene#Electronic

Some experimental work: http://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.246803

Some theory: http://arxiv.org/abs/0706.2968
and http://arxiv.org/pdf/0706.1888.pdf?origin=publication_detail

Cosmic ray flux: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_ray

Graphene as radiation protection: http://scitechdaily.com/graphene-sandwich-protects-microscopic-materials-radiation/

Study of radiation effects upon graphene: http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=30443.php

Let us know how you plan to proceed!
 
  • #3
I'm sorry, but all these links refer to articles that seem to be really far out of my current knowledge reach. Could you please help me out?

I understand that cosmic ray flux is a unit which quantifies the amount of particles passing per unit area.

"Transport in undoped graphene is related to percolating current patterns in the networks of N-type and P-type regions reflecting the strong bipolar charge density fluctuations. Transmissions of the P-N junctions, though small, are vital in establishing the macroscopic conductivity."

I'm not sure what exactly this means, but I know that in semiconductors, N-type junctions have more electrons and P-type junctions have more electron holes and this controls the current flow between them. Could you please explain what the statement means?
 
  • #4
Sorry, but nobody is going to spend hours or days to work out your idea.

My first sentence outlines the process required; the articles provide the detailed information required.

That's my ten minutes - I'm gone.
 

1. How do defects affect the conductivity of graphene?

Defects in graphene can disrupt the flow of electrons, which are responsible for conducting electricity. This can lead to a decrease in conductivity as the electrons encounter obstacles and are unable to move freely through the material.

2. Can a single defect in graphene affect its conductivity?

Yes, even a single defect in graphene can significantly impact its conductivity. This is because graphene is a two-dimensional material, so any disruption in its structure can have a big impact on the flow of electrons.

3. What types of defects can affect the conductivity of graphene?

There are several types of defects that can affect graphene's conductivity, including point defects (such as vacancies and adatoms), line defects (such as dislocations and grain boundaries), and extended defects (such as cracks and holes).

4. Is there a threshold for the number of defects that can kill the conductivity of graphene?

There is no specific number of defects that can be considered a threshold for killing the conductivity of graphene. The impact of defects on conductivity will depend on their type, location, and overall density in the material.

5. Can defects be intentionally added to graphene for specific purposes?

Yes, defects can be intentionally introduced to graphene for various purposes, such as controlling its electronic properties or enhancing its mechanical strength. This is known as defect engineering and is an active area of research in the field of graphene science.

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