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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons via Origami-Like Self-Folding

Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons via Origami-Like Self-Folding

Published on: September 23, 2018

Aqueous proton transfer across single-layer graphene.

Jennifer L Achtyl¹, Raymond R Unocic², Lijun Xu³

¹Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA.

Nature Communications

|March 18, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Proton transfer through single-layer graphene is possible at room temperature via atomic defects. This process is selective for protons and involves a Grotthuss-type relay mechanism.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Physical Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Proton transfer across single-layer graphene typically has high energy barriers, limiting its feasibility at room temperature.
Previous research suggested that proton transfer requires modifications like holes, dopants, or external electrical bias.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanism and feasibility of proton transfer across single-layer graphene under ambient conditions.
To identify the pathways and conditions that enable proton transport through graphene.

Main Methods:

Subjecting single-layer graphene on fused silica to cyclic high and low pH conditions.
Utilizing computer simulations to calculate energy barriers for proton transfer.
Analyzing proton transfer through atomic defects and comparing with other gas transfers.

Main Results:

Demonstrated reversible proton transfer across single-layer graphene through naturally occurring atomic defects.
Computed low energy barriers (0.61-0.75 eV) for proton transfer across hydroxyl-terminated atomic defects.
Identified that specific defect terminations (pyrylium-like ether) inhibit proton exchange, while others facilitate a Grotthuss-type relay.

Conclusions:

Proton transfer through single-layer graphene is achievable at room temperature via specific atomic defects.
The process is selective for aqueous protons and relies on hydroxyl-terminated defect sites.
Atomic defects in graphene can act as channels for proton transport, enabling acid-base chemistry with underlying materials.