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Designed nitrogen doping of few-layer graphene functionalized by selective oxygenic groups
Ying Chen1, Bingqiao Xie2, Yingtao Ren2
1Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 388 Lumo RD, Wuhan 430074, China ; Zhejiang Research Institute, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 388 Lumo RD, Wuhan 430074, China.
This study synthesized few-layer nitrogen-doped graphene using functionalized graphene oxide. Carboxyl and hydroxyl groups critically influence nitrogen doping, enabling controlled synthesis for advanced graphene devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) is a precursor for graphene materials.
- Nitrogen doping enhances graphene's electronic and chemical properties.
- Controlling nitrogen incorporation is key for tailored graphene applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize few-layer nitrogen-doped graphene.
- To investigate the role of oxygenic functional groups on graphene oxide during nitrogen doping.
- To elucidate the mechanism of nitrogen incorporation into the graphene lattice.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene from functionalized graphene oxide.
- Characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Main Results:
- Few-layer graphene structure confirmed by TEM and AFM.
- Phase structure analyzed by XRD.
- XPS revealed that carboxyl and hydroxyl groups significantly impact nitrogen doping efficiency and bonding configurations.
- Carboxyl groups are crucial in the initial doping stage, while hydroxyls contribute more in the later stages.
- Graphitic-like nitrogen species formation is influenced by a synergistic effect of oxygenic groups.
Conclusions:
- The functional groups on graphene oxide play a critical role in the nitrogen doping process.
- Understanding these roles allows for controlled synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene.
- This research advances the fundamental understanding of nitrogen doping in graphene and facilitates the development of novel graphene-based devices.
