Ionized gas, known as plasma and considered the fourth state of matter, has become a key tool for graphene production. Researchers at the Laboratory of Innovation in Plasmas (LIPs) at the University of Córdoba (UCO) have achieved significant breakthroughs in this field, increasing graphene production by over 22%.
Following this line of research, the team has proposed two methods for depositing graphene, a material with notable anti-corrosive properties, onto metals. These processes employ atmospheric pressure microwave plasmas, designed not to alter the intrinsic characteristics of the metals.
“"The first method allows for direct transfer: we expose a surface to the plasma with which we are synthesizing graphene, and it deposits directly onto the surface. It's the fastest way to do it."
The second method, described as slower but more versatile, involves three steps: graphene synthesis from plasma, dispersion of the material in an organic solvent, and its subsequent application akin to paint. While the first method is faster, the second offers better results in terms of surface coverage, penetrating better into irregularities.
These techniques could have significant applications, such as protecting electrodes in fuel cells, which suffer deterioration from oxidative environments. The application of graphene could maintain current flow and prevent oxidation.
“"The challenge facing both methods is that neither offered sufficiently strong adhesion between the graphene layer and the metallic surface, so we need to improve that aspect."
Despite the adhesion challenge, the team considers the successful acquisition of these graphene layers and the fine-tuning of the methods to be a valuable advancement. Negative test results have been crucial for refining the process and better understanding the material.
The next steps focus on increasing the adhesion of graphene to metal, an improvement currently being studied for both the direct application method and the three-step method at the Laboratory of Innovation in Plasmas.
