Preparation and Modification of Synthetic Graphene from Biomolecule-based Carbon Nanodots

• Applicant: Dr. Volker Strauss
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2016 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 322052477

In the initial proposal, I outlined a workplan including three objectives, namely, the identification and characterization of carbon based dots with defined electrochemical properties, and testing their potential in supercapacitors and in flash memory devices. In pursuit of this goal, I have achieved promising results which open the door for further research. Briefly, I used carbon nanodots (CNDs) as precursors for three-dimensional turbostratic graphene (3D-ts-graphene) networks with interesting electrochemical properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of high quality 3D-ts-graphene networks synthesized from biomolecules. Within the second half of the first funding period I will test 3D-ts-graphene towards new electronic applications such as electronic circuits and Flash memories. In the follow-up period of one year, I will identify new methods to modify the morphology of the 3D-ts-graphene. This will be done by selecting new starting materials and modification of the reaction conditions. Thereby, parameters such as defect density, pore size, and active surface area will be tuned. Insights into the reaction mechanism thus obtained and the expertise in the Kaner group will be used to study approaches to synthesize 2D-graphene on copper surfaces. Finally, composite materials with metals and metal oxide clusters will be fabricated and tested towards charge storage applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Richard B. Kaner