Creation of high quality graphene by ultrasonic system

By using ultrasonic jets on jet engines and rockets, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have found a simple and inexpensive method to produce high quality graphene plates. , not defective on a variety of substrates.

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The method was developed in collaboration with the University of Illinois and a number of researchers from Korea. Basically, the researchers used graphene suspended in the market (a fluid containing low-quality graphene dispersed) and then used ultrasonic nozzles to deposit graphene on a substrate. From here, they were able to obtain graphene in the form of finished products without further processing.

Typically, the process will cause graphene to be unevenly coated on the substrate in suspension form. However, when sprayed at supersonic speeds, graphene smashed into the substrate with enough kinetic energy that it was perfectly spread into a sheet of graphene with a thickness of just one atom. "Imagine something like a Silly Putty rubber duck being thrown into the wall - it will stretch and spread smoothly," said co-director Alexander Yarin . It happens with graphene layers, which collide with the supremes and stretch in all directions. "We are exploiting the plasticity of graphene and it's actually re-structured."

The key to the process is the Laval nozzle - a type of ultrasonic- type, hourglass-shaped ultrasound . The center of gravity causes the acceleration to reach the supersonic speed and then exit. This type of nozzle is often used in missiles and jet engines to accelerate the compressed air and produce more thrust. In the case of graphene, the suspended graphene is accelerated to reach enough kinetic energy to trigger the Silly Putty effect .

By only using ultrasound technology without post-processing, the researchers said the method could be used to coat graphene on a variety of materials and be able to form with graphene. high volume. In the coming time, the team will increase the proportion of methods in the hope of developing graphene applications on an industrial scale.