Qualitative Design And Development Of 3D Graphene Structure: Advantages And Disadvantages

Literature Review

This is a discussion report on qualitative design and development of the structure of graphene. This structure of graphene was previously developed and designed in 2D which was majorly heavy and thicker hence need of redesigning by the researchers at the Institute of Massachusetts Institute of technology resulting to the 3D structure of the graphene which is lighter in terms of weight. Presently, it has improved in strength when compared to the previously developed 2D design. It was observed that the new design was almost 10 times stronger than the original 2D structure of graphene, Wei et al (2013).

This entails picking either the researcher’s work assortment or related work and conducting a proper analysis on the same work with an aim of making a clear understanding of the developed design. Disadvantages and advantages are retrieved from the related work together with their similarities and differences then eventually a conclusion is developed.

The thickness and heaviness of the 2D graphene structure encouraged an assumption of the structure being the strongest structure when exposed to increased pressure, but still, since the 2D structure enjoys the property of being thicker and capable of holding increased deformation energy which is again released once hence making the model to break once, Britton & Danke (2013).

In relation to this, this triggered the researchers to embark again on the drawing table aimed at thinking on the criteria in which this could be solved for the very last time, as a result of this, the 3D structure was introduced. This structure is sponge-like and lighter in weight with walls that are thinner. In reference to this design and shape, the model of the 3D process of deformation is highly incremental and not instant hence making it stronger thus withstanding the compression pressure.

In relation to Zhang et al (2013). The structure of graphene was the first graphene structure which is a carbon allotrope in 2-dimensional properties. This structure is believed to be strongest since it is heavy and thick. The development of its thicker walls have been achieved by its 2D design with an aim of enabling it to withstand high pressure

Steel is a generally very hard material that is capable of withstanding pressure which is exerted on it making it stronger when compared to the structure of the 2D graphene. A similar structure made of steel was mostly the strongest when compared to the rest as it was capable of overcoming increased pressure exposed to it, Chen et al (2011).

Problem

Since almost all ideas with advantages must always be accompanied with disadvantages, the latest or new design of graphene structure possess the disadvantages below and the related weaknesses of the above case studies which have been so far solved by the 3D graphene structure.

The earlier structures deformed easily when compared to the latest designs structures of graphene. In relation to design experiment, the 3D structure of graphene testing and development, the 3D structure is almost 10 times stronger than the perceived strongest steel which fortunately stronger than the 2D graphene structure, Cao et al (2011).

The geometrical design of 3D is worldwide and any other material can be used to replace the graphene. This acts as an advantage as material to be used is not restricted to the original designs were restricted to steel and graphene materials.

In relation to weight comparison of individual structure, it is witnessed that the 3D structure of graphene is lighter than all other previous structures despite this not being very much satisfactory as researchers desired for a structure which could be lighter than air.

3-dimensional graphene has been identified to possess both good intrinsic and extrinsic properties leading to its exploitation for a good number of applications which includes: storage of energy, catalysts and conversion i.e., supercapacitors, batteries of lithium ion, water absorptions of oil and sensors as discussed below.

This application has been highly influenced by the intrinsic property of the 3D graphene networks. During this application, 3D graphene metals are used as a free catalyst in the thioanisole oxidation, Dong et al (2012). This has been witnessed from the research conducted by the team of Marques whereby they fabricated the oxide foams of graphene through hydrothermal treatment from a suspension of an aqueous GO at a temperature of 180 degrees for a duration of 12hours. The outcome of the research exhibited a good activism catalyst of more than 90% at the thioanisole oxidation reaction. This performance of graphene oxide was realized to be excellent in comparison to other metal-free catalysts such as fullerenes. In addition, it is a very effective catalyst since it can be reused due to the absence of metals of transition. Nevertheless, it was realized that only a little quantity of about 11% of the oxide of graphene was utilized in relation to the substrate amounts. This percentage of used quantity is greatly lower than that of the 2D oxide of graphene in case it could have been used as a catalyst, Dong et al (2012).

A Case Study on Previous Work and its Relevance

In the field of lithium-ion batteries, cells of the solar and fuels and other cells, it is realized that 3D graphenes can be and have been of great importance in the sector or field of storing and converting energy.

The high performing supercapacitor has been developed with electrodes originating from 3D graphene networks and concurrently exhibit a particular effective capacitance. A 3D foam of nickel graphene, NICO₂ is fabricated. NiF is then immersed in a suspension of graphene oxides of 1.5Gl and with the aid of electrodeposition rGO is too deposited and again reduced to graphene with an aim of covering graphene in the form of Nickel. Generally, the achieved electrode possesses a particular capacitance of about 2260 at a high density of current, Sam et al (2012). In addition, the electrode possessed the best stability of cyclic.

Numerous research is currently being conducted in relation to the lithium-ion batteries since they are significant devices applied in the storage and supply of electrical current. The main challenge has been finding material with the best quality and properties for use as a cathode or anode in relation to high capacity, improved performance of cyclic and capability of routing. 3D graphene has proved beyond doubts that it surpasses other materials of an alternative. This is witnessed in situations when oxides of graphene are used as an anode or cathode for the lithium storage and an improved performance of cyclic is achieved with a very good rate of capability.

3D graphene structures are usually capable of having a varying diameter of the pore and can too be tuned to possess pore diameters on the Nanoscale range hence making the 3D structure of graphene to possess a high specific area of the surface. In addition to this property, the structure of 3D graphene are usually very hydrophobic, very strong mechanically and contains a better thermal stability. This property has facilitated 3D graphenes to be applied as ready substitutes to the occasionally used absorbents specifically for the organic contaminants and ions of heavy metals, Eraslan & Ihan (2010). This since foams of oxides of graphene and graphenes contains good properties of the absorbent. Nevertheless, they can be recycled and removed very easily.

As a result of very unique features of networks of 3D graphene, for example, low mass densities, it has occasionally been applied as sensing applicant i.e, an electrochemical sensor in detecting the dopamine concentration. In general, 3D graphene is a material that can be used in various ranges of application such as in the research fields of the supercapacitors, conservation of energies, oil, and gas are just but a few

Emerged Weaknesses from a Case Study

Despite the gradual and consistent observations in advancements in the synthesis of varying graphene or oxides of graphene grounded applications on the 3D frameworks, a lot still deserves to be conducted with an aim of improving the management and handling of the process of chemical vapor deposition, sizes of the pore and the general porosity. This is because most of the structures of graphenes that are fabricated and interconnected have been so far witnessed to poses significant large sized pores in the range of micrometer, Hu et al (2012). The disadvantage aspect of this is that it might lead to depreciating mechanical properties for example modulus compression.

The nature of data reported was witnessed to have a very wide range of values relating to the size pores and porosity. A trial and experiment of the excellent variance in a choice of templates for the structural direct growth of interconnected graphene needs to be conducted. This would aid in achieving a chance of attaining the desired sizes and shapes suiting specific and varying applications. In addition, templates that are capable of withstanding environments with high temperatures for the pyrolysis of the source of carbon in the occurrence of deposition of chemical vapor are normally desired adding to the entire costs of the process CVD, Zhang et al (2010).   

Conclusion

In consideration to the above research gap and literature which entails the weaknesses relating to the researched structure which has been solved by the recent design, it is hence right concluding that the 3-D structure of graphene is more reliable, efficient and effective thus deserves to be utilized in the place of the 2-D structures and the steel as a result of its latest improvement of previous structures weaknesses. In general, three-dimensional structures is recommended as a most suitable to be utilized mainly because of its clever strength and design.

The 3D structure of graphene strictly adhered to the experimental design approach for the whole organization as this is a qualitative report. The design of the structure of the graphene widely utilized the software of solid works. According to Chen et al (2011), the entire process was developed in accordance with the structure of 2D. With an aim of testing the strength of the 3D structure, the structure was subjected to increased pressure and on completion of the comparison, it was witnessed that the structure could withstand pressure 10 times than steel.

Future Developments

The below were the results of the design experiment where the eventual result of graphene structure was compared to the existing structure.

	Deformation rate	Weight	Material
2D graphene	Very high	Moderately Heavy	Restricted to Graphene
Steel	Moderate	Heavy	Restricted to steel
3D graphene	Very strong	Very light	Universal

The 3D structure of graphene is the sole specimen under consideration. This structure comfortably allows any other distinct material to be used in its development as witnessed in the experiment of design. The structure possesses a density of 5% but generates yields that are 10times than that of steel in terms of strength, Peng et al, (2013). This was formed through compression and fusion of the graphene thus making a spongy like configuration.

Sets of specifications are highly considered in making the 3D structure which was initially designed and used in the software of solid works than was later printed into a structure that was later compared and tested against other material structures of similarities. The experimental technique was too applied to other materials but with the same design. On completion of the physical design, the structure strength was tested. The 3D eventually emerged the strongest, Meyer et al (2010). The test was achieved through the application of pressure to the design. 3D structure finally withstood pressure more than 2D structure and steel.

Glass substrates are used to illustrate the direct growth of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional structures of graphene. Different morphologies of 2D and 3D such as the sponge-like structure of graphene, Nano-ball and conformal structures of graphene are capable of being obtained from beginning at copper nanoparticles of varying densities and application of deposition of chemical vapor techniques. It is also shown that the first template of copper is capable of being removed through sublimation process during the chemical vapor deposition process and etching of subsequent metal where required, Wu et al (2012). This eventually enables optical transmissions near the bare substrate which makes the proposed technique very attractive when combined with electrical conductivity hence creating high surface to volume ratio to the graphene being desirable for a broad variety of applications which includes screens of antiglare display, cells of the solar, diodes which emits light and other many more, Yang et al (2008). The entire process is shown in the below diagrams:

This work was performed by substrates of fused silica from Corning Inc, Zhou (2017). which were achieved cleaned by the use of common organic solvents. With an aim of producing structures of graphene, Cu is initially deposited on the substrate. Varying size structures of graphene are achieved through changing the position of the substrate hence changing obtaining Cu NPs of varying diameters thus eventually producing varying graphene structures.

Graphene growth on CuNPs by CVD

CVD facilitates the growth of graphene under the below conditions.

Removal of Cu from structures of graphene

The Cu catalyst is eliminated from the 2D-graphene and 3D- graphene through sublimation. The below diagram illustrates the properties of 2D and 3D graphene structures developed through CVD, He et al (2012)..

1. The 3D structure is the most powerful and efficient since it is capable of withstanding more pressure of almost 10 times better than steel,
2. The solid works 3D structure design is capable of accommodating adjustment or replacement with any other different material apart from graphene itself. The projected structures of 3D are expected to be lighter compared to air since this was the backbone of the research.
3. The process of deformation of the 3D is widely incremental thus more resistant compared to the 2D and steel with an instant deformation. 

Solid works have aided the implementation of this noble idea majorly through the design phase. The software experts came up with a structure which is porous and sponge-like in a 3D structure. The structure was then printed in resemblance to the original one designed with solid works, Xu et al (2013).

The real model was more efficient in comparison to the original models since it was possible printing the virtual model into a physical model that is real minus adjustments despite this being proved through the process of experimentation.

The figure below shows the final structure of the graphene which was designed using the solid works software, Paek et al (2008). 

Conclusion

The 3D design has been very essential to the sectors that have constantly made use of the structure in place of the previously inefficient and unreliable structure of the 2D and the steel. As discussed in the literature and methodology of the report, the structure is very helpful and efficient. This can again be improved by the expected making of the 3D structure lighter than air hence making it more efficient and demand-oriented than presently. The 3D structure is highly efficient and reliable as observed or witnessed on literature and methodology discussions above. This type of structure is commonly stronger when compared to other structures which were previously designed.

The structure is very much efficient as drawn from the literature and the methodology above. This structure is stronger than other which were designed previously.

References

Britton and Doake (2013).Metal-catalyzed oxidations of organic compounds: mechanistic principles and synthetic methodology including biochemical processes. Elsevier.

Cao, X., Shi, Y., Shi, W., Lu, G., Huang, X., Yan, Q., … & Zhang, H. (2011). Preparation of novel 3D graphene networks for supercapacitor applications. small, 7(22), 3163-3168.

Chen, W., Li, S., Chen, C., & Yan, L. (2011). Self?assembly and embedding of nanoparticles by in situ reduced graphenes for preparation of a 3d graphene/nanoparticle aerogel. Advanced materials, 23(47), 5679-5683.

Chen, Z., Ren, W., Gao, L., Liu, B., Pei, S., & Cheng, H. M. (2011). Three-dimensional flexible and conductive interconnected graphene networks grown by chemical vapor deposition. Nature Materials, 10(6), 424.

Dong, X. C., Xu, H., Wang, X. W., Huang, Y. X., Chan-Park, M. B., Zhang, H., … & Chen, P. (2012). 3D graphene–cobalt oxide electrode for high-performance supercapacitor and enzymeless glucose detection. ACS nano, 6(4), 3206-3213.

Dong, X., Chen, J., Ma, Y., Wang, J., Chan-Park, M. B., Liu, X., … & Chen, P. (2012). Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic hybrid foam of graphene and carbon nanotube for selective removal of oils or organic solvents from the surface of water. Chemical communications, 48(86), 10660-10662.

Eraslan, O., & ?nan, Ö. (2010). The effect of thread design on stress distribution in a solid screw implant: a 3D finite element analysis. Clinical oral investigations, 14(4), 411-416.

He, Y., Chen, W., Li, X., Zhang, Z., Fu, J., Zhao, C., & Xie, E. (2012). Freestanding three-dimensional graphene/MnO2 composite networks as ultralight and flexible supercapacitor electrodes. ACS nano, 7(1), 174-182.

Hu, C., Cheng, H., Zhao, Y., Hu, Y., Liu, Y., Dai, L., & Qu, L. (2012). Newly?Designed Complex Ternary Pt/PdCu Nanoboxes Anchored on Three?Dimensional Graphene Framework for Highly Efficient Ethanol Oxidation. Advanced Materials, 24(40), 5493-5498.

Meyer, J. C., Geim, A. K., Katsnelson, M. I., Novoselov, K. S., Booth, T. J., & Roth, S. (2010). The structure of suspended graphene sheets. Nature, 446(7131), 60.

Paek, S. M., Yoo, E., & Honma, I. (2008). Enhanced cyclic performance and lithium storage capacity of SnO2/graphene nanoporous electrodes with three-dimensionally delaminated flexible structure. Nano letters, 9(1), 72-75.

Peng, L., Peng, X., Liu, B., Wu, C., Xie, Y., & Yu, G. (2013). Ultrathin two-dimensional MnO2/graphene hybrid nanostructures for high-performance, flexible planar supercapacitors. Nano letters, 13(5), 2151-2157.

Sam, R., Arrifin, K., & Buniyamin, N. (2012, September). Simulation of pick and place robotics system using Solidworks Softmotion. In System Engineering and Technology (ICSET), 2012 International Conference on (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

Wei, W., Yang, S., Zhou, H., Lieberwirth, I., Feng, X., & Müllen, K. (2013). 3D Graphene Foams Cross?linked with Pre?encapsulated Fe3O4 Nanospheres for Enhanced Lithium Storage. Advanced materials, 25(21), 2909-2914.

Wu, Z. S., Sun, Y., Tan, Y. Z., Yang, S., Feng, X., & Mu?llen, K. (2012). Three-dimensional graphene-based macro-and mesoporous frameworks for high-performance electrochemical capacitive energy storage. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 134(48), 19532-19535.

Xu, Y., Lin, Z., Huang, X., Liu, Y., Huang, Y., & Duan, X. (2013). Flexible solid-state supercapacitors based on three-dimensional graphene hydrogel films. ACS nano, 7(5), 4042-4049.

Yang, X., Dou, X., Rouhanipour, A., Zhi, L., Räder, H. J., & Müllen, K. (2008). Two-dimensional graphene nanoribbons. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 130(13), 4216-4217.

Zhang, L., Zhang, F., Yang, X., Long, G., Wu, Y., Zhang, T., … & Chen, Y. (2013). Porous 3D graphene-based bulk materials with exceptional high surface area and excellent conductivity for supercapacitors. Scientific reports, 3, 1408.

Zhang, Y., Tan, Y. W., Stormer, H. L., & Kim, P. (2010). Experimental observation of the quantum Hall effect and Berry’s phase in graphene. nature, 438(7065), 201.

Zhou, G. (2017). Graphene–Pure Sulfur Sandwich Structure for Ultrafast, Long-Life Lithium-Sulfur Batteries. In Design, Fabrication and Electrochemical Performance of Nanostructured Carbon Based Materials for High-Energy Lithium–Sulfur Batteries (pp. 75-94). Springer, Singapore.