Functionalized Graphene Structure via Organic Linker and Dopant Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manufacturing graphene struggle to effectively adjust electrical, physical, and optical characteristics, and improve electron mobility and air stability while maintaining process efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A functionalized graphene structure is created by forming an organic linker layer with aromatic elements like 4-mercaptophenol on a graphene layer, followed by a dopant layer using atomic layer deposition, allowing for precise adjustment of the dopant layer thickness and Fermi level, thereby enhancing electrical and physical properties without damaging the graphene's crystal structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used to manufacture graphene, then production can be achieved, but electrical and physical characteristics cannot be effectively adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of electrical characteristicsVSAvoidelectrical characteristic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying dopant concentration, dopant type, and deposition conditions to precisely control the electrical characteristics of graphene. This allows tuning of carrier concentration, mobility, and Fermi level while maintaining reproducible results through controlled parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite structures by combining graphene with various dopant materials (metals, metal oxides, metal sulfides) to form functionalized graphene composites. This composite approach enables independent optimization of electrical properties while maintaining the base graphene structure's integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If dopant layer is formed directly on graphene, then doping can be achieved, but crystal structure is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoping capabilityVSAvoidcrystal structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an organic linker layer as an intermediary between the graphene substrate and inorganic dopant layer. This mediator enables controlled dopant delivery and anchoring while preventing direct damage to the graphene crystal structure, thus preserving structural integrity during the doping process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the doping process into distinct stages: (1) formation of organic linker layer on graphene, (2) deposition of inorganic dopant layer on the linker, and (3) thermal treatment for integration. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, preventing crystal structure damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex manufacturing processes are used to adjust graphene properties, then electrical characteristics can be tuned, but process time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical characteristic adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the organic linker layer simultaneously serves as a dopant reservoir, adhesion promoter, and protective barrier. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate processing steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and time while maintaining precise electrical property control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables precise adjustment of graphene's electrical characteristics, improves electron mobility, and increases air stability while maintaining process efficiency and reducing costs by forming a conformal dopant layer that does not disrupt the graphene's crystal structure.

Implementation Method 1

forming an organic linker layer by providing an organic linker on the graphene layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

forming a dopant layer by providing a dopant material including a metal on the organic linker layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

followed by a dopant layer using atomic layer deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomic Layer Deposition:

Implementation Method 4

sulfur (S) included in the thiol group and oxygen (O) included in the hydroxyl group of the organic linker may be combined with the metal included in the dopant layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10643847B2Functionalized graphene structure and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 INDUSTRY UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a functionalized graphene structure includes preparing a substrate having a graphene layer, forming an organic linker layer by providing an organic linker on the graphene layer, and forming a dopant layer by providing a dopant material including a metal on the organic linker layer. The organic linker layer and the dopant layer are formed in-situ.