In situ characterization of alloy catalysts for low-temperature graphene growth.

Weatherup, Robert S; Bayer, Bernhard C; Blume, Raoul; Ducati, Caterina; Baehtz, Carsten; Schlögl, Robert; Hofmann, Stephan · Nano Lett · 2011

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Low-temperature (∼450 °C), scalable chemical vapor deposition of predominantly monolayer (74%) graphene films with an average D/G peak ratio of 0.24 and domain sizes in excess of 220 μm(2) is demonstrated via the design of alloy catalysts. The admixture of Au to polycrystalline Ni allows a controlled decrease in graphene nucleation density, highlighting the role of step edges. In situ, time-, and depth-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction reveal the role of subsurface C species and allow a coherent model for graphene formation to be devised.