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Single layer of carbon atoms “torn” out with tape

When talking about graphene, we have to first point out the natural mineral graphite that is commonly present in our every day life.

As an allotrope of carbon, graphite is a layered material, and the carbon atoms inside graphite are set up layer by layer. Carbon atoms in the same layer “hold hands” and are closely attached, however the combination of carbon atoms in between various layers hangs, like a pile of playing cards. With a mild press, the cards will move apart.


(Graphene Powder)

From the point of view of chemical structure, graphite is a transitional crystal between atomic crystals, metal crystals and molecular crystals. In the crystal, carbon atoms in the same layer kind covalent bonds with sp2 hybridization, each carbon atom is linked to 3 various other carbon atoms, and six carbon atoms create a regular hexagonal ring on the very same plane, stretching to create a sheet structure.

If graphite is a stack of playing cards, then graphene is just one of the cards in this pile of playing cards. Graphene is a two-dimensional material composed of a solitary layer of carbon atoms. Piling graphene layer by layer is graphite. A 1 mm thick graphite consists of regarding 3 million layers of graphene.

Although graphene exists in nature, it is difficult to peel off a solitary layer structure.

Greater than 20 years ago, Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, scientists at the University of Manchester in the UK, thought that there need to be a means to acquire a solitary layer of graphite.

Just how can a solitary layer of graphite be removed? Researchers took a very “easy and unrefined” method – sticking it with tape.

“Much like when we create a typo on paper, we will stick the typo with tape.” Based upon this, scientists frankly link that if tape can adhere to the surface area of paper, can it additionally adhere to layers of graphite?


( TRUNNANO Graphenen Powder)

In the experiment, scientists stuck both sides of pyrolytic graphite flakes to an unique tape, and tore off the tape, the graphite sheet was split right into 2. Although the thickness of graphite right now is still far from that of a single layer of graphite, researchers have actually confirmed the expediency of this approach – each time the tape is utilized, the graphite ends up being thinner. By insisting on using this “mechanical exfoliation method” to duplicate the procedure, they finally acquired a thin sheet containing just one layer of carbon atoms, which is graphene.

Nonetheless, this method of continuously exfoliating graphite sheets with tape to acquire graphene has low manufacturing effectiveness and can only be used to prepare micron-thick graphene, and can not be mass-produced industrially.

Later, with the renovation of scientific and technical degrees, the prep work approach of graphene has likewise made wonderful progression. At present, along with this traditional physical and mechanical exfoliation approach, there are likewise numerous methods for preparing graphene, such as redox approach, solvent exfoliation approach, chemical vapor deposition, etc

Provider of Graphene

TRUNNANO is a supplier of 3D Printing Materials with over 12 years experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. It accepts payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union and Paypal. Trunnano will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. If you want to know more about , please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry.

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