Production of graphene for the frabrication of graphene fibres.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
Graphene consists of a single atomic layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice
and exhibits two-dimensional properties. This material is of particular interest as it is a highly
efficient conductor of heat and electricity and possesses an exceptionally high strength-to-weight
ratio. The uses of graphene extend to a variety of industries, including the fields of life sciences;
electronics; and chemistry. The properties of graphene are largely determined by the method of
fabrication thereof. These methods include chemical vapour deposition as well as mechanical and
chemical exfoliation. In this study, research has been conducted to investigate these various
fabrication routes so as to determine a reliable method of producing graphene of a high quality
for the production and study of graphene fibres. Specifically, graphene produced via the chemical
oxidation of graphite was investigated due to its cost-effectiveness, viability and scalable nature.
This process resulted in the production of an intermediate product, graphene oxide, which was
then reduced to form graphene. Thermal and chemical reduction methods of graphene were also
investigated. The produced graphene exhibits high correlation with graphene reported in the
literature. The quality of the synthesised material was analysed using various diagnostic tools,
including Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray
Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction. The graphene was used for the fabrication of graphene
fibres with the addition of the polymer materials, polyvinyl alcohol and polystyrene. A
microscopic fibre fabrication route was explored and the outcome of this research was the
production of graphene nanofibres which may be used in various applications, including
strengthening fillers in composite materials.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.