Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrate a new, highly efficient method of crosslinking multilayer graphene, and create nanopores in it by its irradiation with low-energy argon cluster ions. Irradiation was performed by argon cluster ions with an acceleration energy E ≈ 30 keV, and total fluence of argon cluster ions ranging from 1 × 109 to 1 × 1014 ions/cm2. The results of the bombardment were observed by the direct examination of traces of argon-cluster penetration in multilayer graphene, using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Further image processing revealed an average pore diameter of approximately 3 nm, with the predominant size corresponding to 2 nm. We anticipate that a controlled cross-linking process in multilayer graphene can be achieved by appropriately varying irradiation energy, dose, and type of clusters. We believe that this method is very promising for modulating the properties of multilayer graphene, and opens new possibilities for creating three-dimensional nanomaterials.
Highlights
There is a current pressing need to develop a highly selective, energy-efficient filter for extremely small substances
We show that irradiation of multilayer graphene (MLG) with argon cluster ions leads to the cross-linking of its layers, and the formation of nanopores
Argon gas cluster ions were used for experimental fabrication of pore production on multilayer graphene
Summary
There is a current pressing need to develop a highly selective, energy-efficient filter for extremely small substances. Changes in the properties of graphene, caused by modulating its defects and further obtaining nanopores, can be implemented using several approaches, including particle irradiation [15,16,17], thermal annealing [18,19], chemical reaction [20,21], and deformation treatment [22,23]. The low efficiency and high cost of this technique make it disadvantageous for wider application [34,35,36] Another approach involves gas cluster ion beams (GCIB). Computational and experimental results of irradiation of graphene and MLG with Ar gas cluster ion beams are presented. We show that irradiation of MLG with argon cluster ions leads to the cross-linking of its layers, and the formation of nanopores
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