Graphene as a diffusion barrier for isomorphous systems: Cu–Ni system

Abstract

Electrochemical exfoliation technique using the pyrophosphate anion derived from tetra sodium pyrophosphate was employed to produce graphene. As-synthesized graphene was then drop dried over a cold rolled Cu sheet. Ni coating was then electrodeposited over bare Cu and graphene–Cu substrates. Both substrates were then isothermally annealed at 800°C for 3h. WDS analysis showed substantial atomic diffusion in annealed Ni–Cu sample. Cu–graphene–Ni sample, on the other hand, showed negligible diffusion illustrating the diffusion barrier property of the graphene coating.