Graphene Film Transfer Using Cera Alba Supporting Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transferring graphene films are inadequate in ensuring the integrity and cleanliness of the graphene surface, often resulting in structural damages and residual polymer particles that impair the quality and performance of graphene-based devices.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a cera alba supporting layer, where a cera alba containing solution is spin-coated onto the graphene film, allowing for the removal of the metal substrate and transfer to a target substrate while effectively removing the cera alba layer with an organic solvent, ensuring a clean and intact graphene film.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional polymer supporting layers are used for graphene film transfer, then the transfer process can be completed, but residual polymer particles remain on the graphene surface causing contamination and quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphene film integrityVSAvoidpolymer residue contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the supporting layer completely after transfer using oxygen plasma treatment, eliminating the source of polymer residues that would otherwise contaminate the graphene surface and degrade device performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Oxygen plasma is used as a strong oxidizing agent to selectively remove the polymer supporting layer from the graphene surface, achieving complete elimination of residual contaminants while preserving the graphene film integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional transfer methods are used, then graphene can be transferred to target substrates, but structural damages occur reducing film quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer process feasibilityVSAvoidgraphene film integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The graphene film is pre-patterned with protective structures and the transfer process is carefully planned in advance to minimize mechanical stress and prevent structural damages during the transfer operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A specifically designed polymer supporting layer provides mechanical protection and cushioning to the fragile graphene film throughout the transfer process, preventing structural damages before they can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If existing transfer methods are used, then graphene films can be transferred, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidtransfer process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes key process parameters including polymer layer thickness, plasma treatment power and duration, and temperature control to achieve efficient transfer and complete polymer removal in a streamlined process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer process is designed as a continuous operation where the polymer supporting layer remains in place providing protection throughout transfer, then is removed in a single plasma treatment step, eliminating intermediate handling and reducing overall process time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 results in a graphene film with better integrity, lower sheet resistance, and higher quality, along with environmental benefits due to the use of a cost-effective and non-toxic cera alba, enhancing the potential for high-performance electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

removing the cera alba layer with an organic solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

removing the metal substrate with an etching solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical etching: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

spin-coating a cera alba (CA) containing solution onto a surface of the graphene film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin coating: Spin Coating

Data Source

PatentUS20220002156A1Method for transferring graphene film

Publication Date: 2022.01.06 ZHEJIANG UNIV

AI summary

A method for transferring a graphene film is provided. The method includes spin-coating a cera alba containing solution onto a surface of the graphene film on a metal substrate to form a cera alba layer as a supporting layer, so as to obtain a first stack having the cera alba layer, the graphene film and the metal substrate in sequence; removing the metal substrate with an etching solution to obtain a second stack having the cera alba layer and the graphene film, transferring the second stack onto a target substrate to obtain a third stack having the second stack and the target substrate, and drying the third stack; removing the cera alba layer with an organic solvent. By using natural non-toxic harmless cera alba as a supporting material, it is possible to obtain the graphene film with a clean and intact surface and low sheet resistance.