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Updated: May 12, 2026
09:11
Raman and IR Spectroelectrochemical Methods as Tools to Analyze Conjugated Organic Compounds
Published on: October 12, 2018
Raman spectroscopy as a versatile tool for studying the properties of graphene
Andrea C Ferrari1, Denis M Basko
1Cambridge Graphene Centre, Cambridge University, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 OFA, UK. acf26@eng.cam.ac.uk
Nature Nanotechnology
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Raman spectroscopy is essential for analyzing graphene and related carbon materials. This review updates concepts and explores future directions for this powerful characterization technique.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Raman spectroscopy is a key technique for characterizing graphene.
- It provides insights into layer number, orientation, edge quality, and responses to various perturbations.
- Graphene serves as a fundamental building block for sp(2)-bonded carbon allotropes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of Raman spectroscopy for graphene research.
- To discuss future directions and open questions in the field.
- To propose updated concepts, notations, and terminology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Raman spectroscopy of graphene.
- Analysis of fundamental physical processes, including resonance and quantum interference.
- Development of a unified terminology for describing Raman spectroscopy results.
Main Results:
- Updated understanding of resonance phenomena and quantum interference in graphene Raman spectra.
- A proposed terminology to consistently describe diverse Raman spectroscopy findings.
- Highlighting the applicability of Raman spectroscopy to other layered materials.
Conclusions:
- Raman spectroscopy is a versatile tool with evolving physical principles crucial for graphene research.
- Standardized terminology will enhance clarity and reproducibility in the field.
- The technique holds significant potential for characterizing a broader range of layered materials.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
The underlying principle of Raman spectroscopy is based on the interaction between light and matter, specifically molecules' inelastic scattering of photons. When a monochromatic beam of light, typically from a laser source, interacts with a sample, most scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...
01:26Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
01:14NMR Spectroscopy of Aromatic Compounds
Aromatic compounds can be identified or analyzed using proton NMR and carbon‐13 NMR. Typically, aromatic hydrogens or hydrogens directly bonded to the aromatic rings are strongly deshielded by the aromatic ring current. Therefore, they absorb in the range of 6.5–8.0 ppm in proton NMR spectra. For instance, aromatic hydrogens directly bonded to the benzene ring absorb at 7.3 ppm. However, aromatic hydrogens of larger rings absorb farther upfield or downfield than the ideal range. Consider...
01:14Molecular Spectroscopy: Absorption and Emission
Molecules possess discrete energy levels called quantum states. Unlike atoms, which have simpler energy levels, molecules possess additional rotational and vibrational energy levels. Each energy level is separated by an energy gap, with the gaps between adjacent electronic, vibrational, and rotational levels varying significantly. The three types of energy levels in a diatomic molecule are shown in Figure 1.
01:11Applications of IR Spectroscopy: Overview
The non-destructive nature and ability to provide valuable chemical information make IR spectroscopy a versatile technique with broad applications in various scientific and industrial fields. IR spectroscopy is commonly used to identify and characterize organic and inorganic compounds. It provides information about the functional groups present in a molecule and the bonding between atoms. This helps in the structural elucidation of compounds during organic synthesis, pharmaceutical research,...
01:16UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions
In Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, the absorption of electromagnetic radiation is used to probe the electronic structure of molecules. This technique provides insights into molecular electronic transitions, particularly the movement of electrons between different molecular orbitals. Radiation is absorbed if the energy of the electromagnetic radiation passing through the molecule is precisely equal to the energy difference between the excited and ground states. During this process,...