"Exploring the Synthesis and Applications of Graphene"
Graphene is the ultimate two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of sp hybridized carbon. Here we explore different approaches to synthesize this carbon allotrope, ranging from chemical conversion to vapor phase deposition. Briefly, graphite can be converted into graphene oxide (GO) sheets, which readily disperse in water, and then can be reduced by various methods. Due to its unique ability to be solution processed and patterned, GO and chemically converted graphene (CCG) hold promise for applications ranging from sensors to transparent conducting electrodes for flexible solar cells, etc. Chemical vapor deposition onto metal substrates enables the growth of continuous, large-area graphene. The challenges of growing graphene, controlling the number of layers, transferring graphene and some exciting uses such as laser scribed graphene for supercapacitors will be discussed.
About Richard Kaner
Richard B. Kaner received a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984 working with Professor Alan MacDiarmid (Nobel Laureate 2000). After carrying out postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, he joined the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1987 as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 1991, became a full professor in 1993 and a distinguished professor in 2012. He has published over 295 papers in top peer reviewed journals and holds 16 U.S. patents with 20 more pending.
