How to make graphene using tape really

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    Graphene
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and methods of producing graphene using the "scotch-tape" technique on Kish graphite. Participants share their experiences, difficulties, and suggestions related to the yield and quality of graphene samples, as well as methods for confirming the presence of graphene.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their process of using the scotch-tape method but expresses dissatisfaction with the yield and quality of graphene flakes obtained.
  • Another participant suggests melting the graphite sample and cooling it slowly to facilitate the separation of graphene layers, though they acknowledge uncertainty about this method.
  • A different participant mentions that the yield of flakes described seems average based on their experience and notes that dirt on samples can be reduced through annealing.
  • One suggestion is made to try better quality HPOG for potentially improved results.
  • A participant expresses interest in methods for confirming the presence of graphene, highlighting the difficulty of identification compared to creation.
  • Another participant shares anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of the scotch tape method from a recent talk they attended, noting its use for obtaining few-layered graphene samples.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for improving graphene production, and multiple competing views and suggestions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various cleaning methods and the presence of dirt on samples, indicating potential limitations in the current techniques discussed. The effectiveness of different materials and methods for producing and confirming graphene is also noted but remains uncertain.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers and students interested in experimental methods for graphene production, as well as those exploring techniques for material identification in a laboratory setting.

ilpremio
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Hey everyone,

So I've been doing research in graphene for a semester and my colleague and I have had no luck making graphene samples.

We are using the "scotch-tape" method on Kish graphite. We use a small piece of one flake to put on weak tape (we find that the Magic Tape is too strong and results in too much glue on the substrate) and peel repeatedly until we see a faint, gray cloud on the tape. We then put the Si wafer (SiO2 down) on the tape and peel off with the tweezer.

Our results are never good. We see a few small flakes of graphene (less than 5micron in length) and maybe one or at most two nice big pieces (greater than 10micron). This yield is not enough for us. We'd like to have at least 5 potential graphene flakes greater than 10micron per wafer. Also we get a lot of really thick chunks of graphite and glue on the substrate which hinders making good finger contacts. We've tried cleaning with acetone, methanol and isopropanol but it doesn't clean it enough.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to make this process better? We've gone through so many papers but they never give you the details. Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated!

:-)
 
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I'm not certain about this but, if possible try melting some of the graphite sample and cool it off slowly, a slight breeze from a small fan should do. That should make the bonds between the graphene layers easier to separate using the tape. If you already tried this, or if your professor advises against it then feel free to disregard my theory.
 
Amazing stuff that Scotch tape. In you down time you might use the remaining spool to take some http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/10/video-the-scotc/" of your finger.
 
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The number of flakes sounds pretty average from my experience. There usually is a lot of dirt on the samples, a lot of which is removed during the annealing process. (I'm a graphene theorist, working in department with experimentalists).
 
You might want to try better quality HPOG.
 
ilpremio said:
H

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to make this process better? We've gone through so many papers but they never give you the details. Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated!

:-)


New method by hydrazine reduction:

see here:
http://www.physorg.com/news145544727.html

...
 
I'd be interested in hearing about what methods are used to confirm the presence of graphene, with what sounds like somewhat limited resources at an undergraduate facility, as positive identification appears to be more difficult than creation.
 
I hear Scoth tape works wonders for experimentalists... I very recently attended a talk where an experimentalist described the "Scotch tape method" and how they did it repeatedly to get as few as 3-layered graphene samples...
 

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