Novel synthesis route to graphene using iron nanoparticles

Graphene is currently one of the most extensively studied materials because it displays a number of unique structural and electronic properties. A variety of methods are currently available for the growth of graphene; however, few are viable for large scale, cost-effective production of high quality graphene. Here, a novel growth process for few layer graphene using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and a commercial iron nanopowder catalyst is described. This method is readily scalable so it can be used to produce a large volume of graphene sheets. Graphene sheets made from this process were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy shows that the product consists of few layer graphene sheets. This is the first reported method of utilizing nanoparticles to synthesize graphene by a CVD process, which typically produces multiwalled carbon nanotubes. A possible mechanism for the formation of graphene by this modified CVD process is discussed.