The Synthesis and Characterization of Two-Dimensional Copper via Confinement Heteroepitaxy
Open Access
- Author:
- Fritts, Sydni
- Millennium Scholars Program:
- Materials Science and Engineering (MATSE)
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisor:
- Joshua Alexander Robinson, Thesis Supervisor
- Keywords:
- catalytic reaction
two-dimensional materials
graphene
intercalation
epitaxial graphene - Abstract:
- Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been a focus of more research in recent years due to its unique properties that are attributed to its structure that is a single atom thick. This physical feature is due to the fact that it is composed of covalent bonding within the layers but the layers themselves are held together by weak van der waal bonding. The weak bonding between the layers allows for separation of the layers leading to dangling bonds after separation. Graphene in two-dimensional form has been researched for its variety of properties when intercalated with other elements. Copper intercalation with graphene is the main focus throughout this research paper due to the fact that its metallic properties increase the catalytic reaction. Experiments were performed to determine the optimal process to yield the most efficient copper intercalation with graphene to achieve the desires properties. Parameters that were changed during the experiments were duration and temperature of the intercalation process and how these changes affect the atomic composition and topological surface. This report will begin with background history on 2D materials including 2D metals and their uses due to their properties as well as motivation and their importance. This will be followed by the process that was conducted in each step of the experiments such as cleaning procedures and what was performed to properly analyze the results. These results of the different experimental parameters will then be shown and discussed to understand their importance in understanding the optimal parameters in intercalating copper with epitaxial graphene.