In situ growth of three-dimensional graphene coatings on arbitrary-shaped micro/nano materials and its mechanism studies

Abstract

In the past decade, there have been great advances in the controllable growth of two-dimensional (2D) graphene sheets. However, the preparation of 3D structured graphene such as graphene coatings on arbitrary-shaped micro/nano materials still remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we have proposed a general strategy for the in situ growth of 3D graphene coatings on the micro/nano particles with arbitrary shapes. Inspired by the CVD growth mechanism of 2D graphene sheets on the bulk metal substrates, we have in situ constructed a nanometer-thick catalytic interface on the micro/nano particle surface by introducing a trace amount of transition metal salts and solid carbon sources with strictly-controlled content and ratio. Growth of 3D graphene coatings is accomplished through a solid-state reaction. Under the catalysis of the in situ formed catalytic interface consisting of highly-ordered metal nanoislands, the nano-thick amorphous carbon layer which arousing from the pyrolysis of carbon sources can be effectively transformed into a continuous and uniform graphene coating throughout the material surface based on a “dissolution–precipitation” mechanism. 3D graphene coatings have been successfully grown on lithium iron phosphate, silver, copper and silicon particles. The growth mechanism of the 3D graphene coatings has been studied in detail and a growth model is also proposed.