Lamellar particle self-assembling of graphene oxide into continuous thin and thick films by automated atmospheric pressure plasma jet deposition

Abstract

This work shows the achievement of obtaining graphene oxide coatings deposited under ambient conditions using the plasma jet technique at atmospheric pressure in an automated system with robotic arms. Graphene oxide nanoparticles in an aqueous solution were sonicated to obtain a colloidal solution. This was projected in an ultrasonic mist perpendicularly through an air plasma of about 260 °C. The primary process parameters were deposition time, speed, concentration, and distance to obtain coating thickness from about 100 nm to microns. These were homogeneous and adherent coatings on aluminum, steel, glass, and polymers (PMMA and polycarbonate), showing similar characteristics on all these substrates. The highlight of this contribution is transforming nanometric thickness flakes into continuous layers with chemical bonding to surfaces with contrasting characteristics such as those mentioned. The GO obtained layer differs from those obtained by spin-coating, dipping, drop-casting, or electrophoretic deposition. We propose that APPJ eliminates OH radicals around the particles, allowing them to self-assemble by connecting them through bonds. This work probes the feasibility of depositing horizontally/vertically self-assembled GO on polymers and aluminum in a modular industrial facility. This achievement opens the possibility of transferring the characteristics of graphene oxide to surfaces for industrial use, making nanotechnology accessible for social benefit.