Plasma Production of Nanomaterials

This Phase II SBIR proposal addresses the problem of producing practical quantities of monolayer few-layer graphene. Via a plasma-assisted catalysis process, Phase I resulted in successfully synthesizing unique structures including monolayer-and-few-layer-graphene covered carbon surfaces. Graphene was deposited on carbon surfaces, including directly on the surface of carbon nanotubes. This was accomplished using intense microwave radiation and high temperature to pyrolyze a methane hydrogen mixture. Phase II develops not only scales synthesis process to the kilogram per day range, but also applies unique capabilities in nanomaterial collection and downstream processing to the problem of graphene production. Graphene attracts both academic and industrial interest because it produces a dramatic improvement in properties at very low filler content. Graphene nanocomposites will be exceptional electrical conductors and could be used to make transparent conductive coatings for solar cells and video displays, high frequency electrical conductors and thermally active devices.