Graphene Sheet Catalyst Removal via Oxidizing Salt Solution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing carbonization catalysts from graphene sheets often cause damage to the sheets, limiting their use in electronic and electrical devices due to the complexity and potential for damage during the exfoliation process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a salt solution capable of oxidizing the carbonization catalyst is used to exfoliate the catalyst from the graphene sheet, reducing or preventing damage and allowing for the subsequent transfer of the graphene sheet to a substrate or device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to remove carbonization catalyst from graphene sheet, then the catalyst is removed from the graphene sheet, but the graphene sheet is damaged during the exfoliation process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity of graphene sheetVSAvoidcomplexity of exfoliation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the exfoliation process by using a salt solution with specific oxidizing capability. This chemical parameter change allows for effective catalyst removal while maintaining graphene sheet integrity, resolving the contradiction between reliable catalyst removal and process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The salt solution acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the separation between the carbonization catalyst and the graphene sheet. This intermediary enables the catalyst to be removed without direct mechanical or chemical damage to the graphene, thus preserving sheet integrity while achieving effective exfoliation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional exfoliation methods are used, then the carbonization catalyst is removed, but the process causes damage to the graphene sheet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage prevention to graphene sheetVSAvoidcomplexity of exfoliation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the chemical composition and oxidizing parameters of the exfoliation solution, the patent achieves a process that prevents graphene sheet damage. This parameter modification transforms a potentially damaging mechanical or chemical process into a controlled chemical reaction that protects the graphene structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of strong chemical treatment into a beneficial process by using controlled oxidation. The oxidizing salt solution selectively attacks the carbonization catalyst while the controlled nature of the reaction prevents damage to the graphene sheet, turning a potentially harmful process into a protective one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple exfoliation methods are used, then the process is simple, but the graphene sheet is damaged during catalyst removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of exfoliation processVSAvoidintegrity of graphene sheet
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains process simplicity by using a salt solution-based method rather than complex multi-step procedures. The key innovation lies in changing the chemical parameters of the solution to achieve both simplicity and reliability simultaneously, making the process easy to manufacture while preventing graphene damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively prevents damage to the graphene sheet during exfoliation, enabling the use of larger-sized graphene sheets in various applications such as electronic devices and transparent electrodes without the economic disadvantages of carbon nanotubes.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the carbonization catalyst with a salt solution, which is capable of oxidizing the carbonization catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS8350001B2Method for removing a carbonization catalyst from a graphene sheet and method for transferring the graphene sheet
Publication Date: 2013.01.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method for removing a carbonization catalyst from a graphene sheet, the method includes contacting the carbonization catalyst with a salt solution, which is capable of oxidizing the carbonization catalyst.