Jul 6 2015
A team of researchers from the University of Tabriz have developed a method to manufacture graphene, a crystalline allotrope of carbon, in a simple and economical manner.
The project manager for the research, Dr. Hamed Asgharzadeh stated that they have discovered solutions to existing issues related to the synthesis of graphene. He explained that the anticipated solution will not only minimize time and production costs but also enable graphene to be produced in large quantities.
Graphene is one of the strongest, lightest and thinnest conductive materials known to man. In graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms is arranged in the form of a honeycomb structure. Its highly versatile nature makes it applicable for use in numerous electronics gadgets such as wearables, flexible displays and other sophisticated electronic devices.
Using paper-making techniques on oxidized graphite and regeneration are the two basic methods for producing graphene, and the biggest hindrance of such methods is the difficulty of washing the graphene oxide due to its high hydrophilic property. This in turn necessitates the use of high-tech facilities such as high-speed centrifuges with hefty costs and limited capacities.
Dr. Hamed Asgharzadeh, University of Tabriz
In addition, he explained that through their research, they had devised a simple method wherein ultrasound waves were applied at definite intervals during oxidation, to ensure that the graphite is completely oxidized.
Also, the graphene oxide will regenerate before the washing process and in the presence of oxidizers which will lead to the loss of its high hydrophilic property and facilitate the washing process; in this way, the production time will considerably decrease and the process will have the capacity for mass production.
Dr. Hamed Asgharzadeh, University of Tabriz
This project was carried out in collaboration with South Korea’s University of Science and Technology.