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Observation of the early stages of environmental contamination in graphene by friction force.

Authors :
Almeida, Clara M.
Ptak, Felipe
Prioli, Rodrigo
Source :
Journal of Chemical Physics. 6/7/2024, Vol. 160 Issue 21, p1-11. 11p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Exposure to ambient air contaminates the surface of graphene sheets. Contamination may arise from different sources, and its nature alters the frictional behavior of the material. These changes in friction enable the observation of the early stages of contaminants' adsorption in graphene. Using a friction force microscope, we show that molecular adsorption initiates at the edges and mechanical defects in the monolayer. Once the monolayer is covered, the contaminants spread over the additional graphene layers. With this method, we estimate the contamination kinetics. In monolayer graphene, the surface area covered with adsorbed molecules increases with time of air exposure at a rate of 10−14 m2/s, while in bilayer graphene, it is one order of magnitude smaller. Finally, as the contaminants cover the additional graphene layers, friction no longer has a difference concerning the number of graphene layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00219606
Volume :
160
Issue :
21
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Chemical Physics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177745004
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0200875