Graphene Production via Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing graphene and holey graphene are not scalable or cost-effective, with existing techniques requiring separate processes and resources, and there is a lack of efficient methods for simultaneous production.
Innovation Solution
A novel method using an electrochemical cell with a cathodic and anodic compartment separated by an anionic membrane, where graphene is exfoliated and then treated to produce holey graphene, utilizing a specifically designed electrode with high surface area and porosity, allowing for simultaneous production and recycling of solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical exfoliation is used to produce graphene, then large sheets with few defects are obtained, but the method is not scalable and only provides a small number of sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical exfoliation with an electrochemical method using an electrochemical cell with anodic and cathodic compartments. Graphite is converted to graphene through electrochemical oxidation at the anode, followed by reduction at the cathode, enabling scalable production while maintaining high-quality graphene with few defects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrochemical parameters (voltage, current, electrolyte composition, pH) to control the transformation of graphite to graphene and subsequently to holey graphene. By adjusting these parameters, the process achieves both high-quality graphene production and scalability
2Productivity
If chemical vapor deposition or oxidation of graphite is used, then scalable production is achieved, but the graphene is imperfectly formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical vapor deposition and chemical oxidation methods with an electrochemical approach. The electrochemical oxidation at the anode followed by reduction at the cathode produces high-quality graphene with proper crystalline structure, avoiding the defects associated with chemical methods while maintaining scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an anionic membrane as an intermediary between the anodic and cathodic compartments. This membrane allows selective ion transport and facilitates the transfer of intermediate products, enabling the two-step electrochemical process to produce high-quality graphene through controlled intermediate stages
3Manufacturing precision
If electron or ion bombardment is used to produce holey graphene, then precise hole formation is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and best suited to small scales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electron or ion bombardment with electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical process creates holes in the graphene structure through controlled oxidation at the anode, achieving precise hole formation while enabling scalable production through the efficiency of electrochemical reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls hole formation by adjusting electrochemical parameters such as applied voltage, current density, and oxidation time. This enables precise control over hole size and distribution while maintaining high production efficiency and scalability
4Manufacturing precision
If nanolithographic etching is used to produce holey graphene, then holes can be formed, but layers of photoresist unable to be removed remain on the resulting holey graphene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces nanolithographic etching with electrochemical oxidation. This direct electrochemical method forms holes in graphene without requiring photoresist layers, completely eliminating the photoresist removal problem while maintaining precise hole formation capability
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 method enables the scalable and efficient production of high-quality graphene and holey graphene in a single process, reducing resource consumption and environmental footprint, while maintaining excellent fluid contact properties.
Implementation Method 1
exfoliating the anode to produce graphene in a final anodic solution
Implementation Method 2
the cathodic compartment and the anodic compartment are separated by an anionic membrane
Implementation Method 3
treating the second portion of graphene to produce holey graphene in a final cathodic solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods of producing graphene and holey graphene in a single electrochemical cell using a scalable and simple process. The method makes use of an electrode in the form of a triply periodic minimal surface having a defined unit cell geometry, which may be defined by a series of equations.