Low-temperature synthesis of vertically aligned graphene through microwave-assisted chemical vapour deposition

The intrinsic properties of vertically aligned graphene (VG), such as a high ratio exposed active edge sites compared to inert basal sites, non-stacking morphology and large surface-to-volume make it applicable numerous advanced technologies sensors, flexible electronics fuel cells. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition has emerged promising technique synthesise at lower temperatures than conventional (CVD) process, providing better control over the parameters tailor properties. This study presents cost effective, scalable, single step synthesis quality VG low temperatures. samples were synthesised in microwave (MW) assisted CVD reactor, which allowed for decomposition CH4 H2 gas mixtures Ar carrier gas, growth directly onto Si wafer substrates without any additional heat applied substrate. Deposition conditions, MW power, ratio, substrate-to-plasma separation optimized morphology, rate electrochemical performance VG. physiochemical analysis revealed that fabricated consisted sp2 graphene, whilst cyclic voltammetry confirmed structures are electrochemically demonstrate typical characteristics quasi-reversible processes.