Observation of graphene bubbles and effective mass transport under graphene films

Nano Lett. 2009 Jan;9(1):332-7. doi: 10.1021/nl803087x.

Abstract

Mechanically exfoliated graphene mounted on a SiO2/Si substrate was subjected to HF/H(2)O etching or irradiation by energetic protons. In both cases gas was released from the SiO2 and accumulated at the graphene/SiO2 interface resulting in the formation of "bubbles" in the graphene sheet. Formation of these "bubbles" demonstrates the robust nature of single layer graphene membranes, which are capable of containing mesoscopic volumes of gas. In addition, effective mass transport at the graphene/SiO2 interface has been observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Gases / chemistry
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Gases
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Graphite