Direct growth of graphene nanomesh using a Au nano-network as a metal catalyst via chemical vapor deposition

Herein, we report a simple and facile method on the direct formation of graphene nanomesh (GNM) on insulating substrates by chemical vapor deposition using the Au metal nano-network as a metal catalyst. Well-ordered hexagonal honeycomb shapes of Au nano-network films synthesized using an anodized aluminum oxide template, served as catalysts for the growth of GNM. As-prepared GNM was characterized by various techniques and fabricated as a conducting channel in field effect transistors. Enhanced mobility and a relatively high ON/OFF ratio confirmed our synthetic strategy of the fabrication of GNM as an alternative to a conventional top-down lithographic approach.