Recent research has revealed a technique for producing graphene that deliberately incorporates structural defects to enhance its performance. This strategy could help advance several fields, including sensors, batteries and electronics.
Scientists from the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry, the University of Warwick and Diamond Light Source created a single-step approach that grows graphene-like films using a molecule called Azupyrene. The shape of this molecule closely resembles the type of defect the researchers wanted to introduce. Their findings were published recently in Chemical Science.
David Duncan, Associate Professor from the University of Nottingham and one of the study's lead authors, explains: "Our study explores a new way to make graphene, this super-thin, super-strong material is made of carbon atoms, and while perfect graphene is remarkable, it is sometimes too perfect. It interacts weakly with other materials and lacks crucial electronic properties required in the semiconductor industry.
"Usually defects in material are seen as problems or mistakes that reduce performance, we have used them intentionally to add functionality. We found the defects can make the graphene more "sticky" to other materials, making it more useful as a catalyst, as well as improving its capability of detecting different gasses for use in sensors. The defects can also alter the electronic and magnetic properties of the graphene, for potential applications in the semiconductor industry."
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