Perspectives on Raman spectroscopy of graphene-based systems: from the perfect two-dimensional surface to charcoal

Raman spectroscopy has been already established as a powerful tool for characterizing the different types of carbon nanostructures, ranging from the highly ordered two-dimensional graphene and one-dimensional nanotubes, down to disordered materials, like nanographite and charcoal. Here we focus on the recent advances of Raman spectroscopy within carbon nanoscience. We discuss in situ nano-manipulation and Raman imaging for addressing controlled perturbations; multi-technique work for the development of nanometrology; crossing the diffraction limit with near-field optics for high resolution imaging. Finally, the applications of Raman spectroscopy in cross-referenced fields, like biotechnology and soil science, are discussed.