Production of graphene for the frabrication of graphene fibres.

Abstract

Graphene consists of a single atomic layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice and exhibits two-dimensional properties. This material is of particular interest as it is a highly efficient conductor of heat and electricity and possesses an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio. The uses of graphene extend to a variety of industries, including the fields of life sciences; electronics; and chemistry. The properties of graphene are largely determined by the method of fabrication thereof. These methods include chemical vapour deposition as well as mechanical and chemical exfoliation. In this study, research has been conducted to investigate these various fabrication routes so as to determine a reliable method of producing graphene of a high quality for the production and study of graphene fibres. Specifically, graphene produced via the chemical oxidation of graphite was investigated due to its cost-effectiveness, viability and scalable nature. This process resulted in the production of an intermediate product, graphene oxide, which was then reduced to form graphene. Thermal and chemical reduction methods of graphene were also investigated. The produced graphene exhibits high correlation with graphene reported in the literature. The quality of the synthesised material was analysed using various diagnostic tools, including Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction. The graphene was used for the fabrication of graphene fibres with the addition of the polymer materials, polyvinyl alcohol and polystyrene. A microscopic fibre fabrication route was explored and the outcome of this research was the production of graphene nanofibres which may be used in various applications, including strengthening fillers in composite materials.