Golden touch makes low-temperature graphene production a reality

[Bosonic]

(PhysOrg.com) -- A method which more than halves the temperature at which high-quality graphene can be produced has been pioneered by researchers.

The technique opens up new opportunities for the use of graphene, which is widely regarded as a potential “wonder substance” for the 21st century.

The researchers from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering added a very small amount of gold to the surface of a nickel film, on which the graphene was then grown. The resulting alloy meant that they were able to grow graphene at 450ºC as opposed to the 1,000ºC that is normally required.

The team, which was led by Robert Weatherup and Bernhard Bayer in the Department’s Hofmann research group, was also able to find out more about how graphene forms during this process.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-10-golden-low-temperature-graphene-production-reality.html