Graphene Oxidation Barrier Coating

Since its experimental isolation in 2004, graphene has shown some outstanding properties. We propose that graphene can be used as an oxidation barrier coating and its oxidation resistance weakens at the graphene grain boundaries. Copper is a superior conductor but is easily oxidized in air at room temperature or higher. Using graphene as a coating material may reduce the cost of protecting against oxidation because copper is commonly coated with gold. The goal of the project is to investigate the breakdown of graphene as an oxidation barrier. Specifically, we studied the failure modes of this oxidation barrier coating which oxidations begin at the grain boundaries of the graphene coating. By determining its breakdown locations, additional sealant can be applied to those locations to enhance its oxidation resistance. moved to US to pursue higher education. He attended Eaglecrest High School in Colorado. After three years of high school, he applied and was accepted to University of Colorado (CU) at Boulder. He then enrolled and studied engineering physics at CU Boulder. Within three years, he was able to complete all degree requirements and plans to graduate in May 2011. During his time at CU, he was introduced to graphene research in May 2009 and started his first research project of producing large graphene film in Scott Bunch's lab. In May 2010, he joined McElroy's group to learn more research problem solving, how to become a skillful experimental physicist, and fundamental physics research. Kyle's research focuses on building STMs and using them to investigate the properties of interesting materials. Recently, he was admitted to the Applied Physics Ph.D. program at Harvard. He plans to pursue his Ph.D. degree in physics at Harvard in fall of 2011. V To my future wife and children VI ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I still remember the day before I moved into CU Boulder's dormitory. I told Dylan that I was anxious about the upcoming college life. After three years of studying at the University of Colorado at Boulder, I felt that I have grown more mature and independent. This undergraduate time is probably one of the most important times in my life. At CU, I got my first ever paid job and apartment. It was the first time I worked very hard to accomplish goals, found the major that I am most interested in, and became involved in major science research for the first time. However, the most precious thing …