Graphene Transfer via Adhesive Roller Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transferring graphene can cause damage to the material during etching of the catalyst metal and the subsequent attachment and detachment processes, particularly due to heat and mechanical stress when using thermal release tapes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for directly transferring graphene formed on a catalyst metal to a substrate film using an adhesive substrate film and rollers to compress and separate the graphene, eliminating the need for etching and thermal release tapes, thereby simplifying and speeding up the process while minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal release tape is used for transferring graphene, then the graphene can be transferred to the substrate film, but the graphene may be damaged by heat and mechanical stress during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the thermal release tape from the transfer process entirely, extracting the harmful element that causes heat and mechanical damage to graphene. The direct transfer method eliminates the intermediate tape that was previously necessary for the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transfer solution as a new intermediary medium between the graphene and substrate. This liquid mediator allows for gentle transfer without the mechanical stress and heat associated with thermal release tapes, resolving the contradiction between transfer capability and graphene integrity.
2Reliability
If etching is used to remove catalyst metal, then the graphene can be separated from the catalyst, but the graphene may be damaged during the etching process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the etching step from the transfer process. By using direct transfer methods, the harmful chemical etching that damages graphene is completely eliminated, while still achieving separation of graphene from the catalyst metal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical etching process with a mechanical direct transfer approach. Instead of using chemicals to remove the catalyst, the graphene is directly transferred with the catalyst remaining on the original substrate, substituting chemical harm with a gentler physical process.
3Ease of operation
If thermal release tape is used for graphene transfer, then the transfer can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the thermal release tape and its associated complex procedures from the transfer process. This simplifies the overall process by eliminating multiple steps including tape attachment, heating, and careful separation, replacing them with a more straightforward direct transfer method.
4Productivity
If thermal release tape is used for graphene transfer, then the transfer can be performed, but the transfer speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming thermal release tape process from the transfer procedure. By eliminating the need for heating, waiting, and careful manual separation steps, the transfer speed is significantly increased and the overall process time is reduced.
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 reduces graphene damage and simplifies the transfer process, increasing efficiency and speed by eliminating the need for etching and thermal release tapes, allowing for stable and rapid graphene transfer.
Implementation Method 1
contacting an adhesive first surface of the substrate film to the graphene
Implementation Method 2
compressing the catalyst metal film and the substrate film by using a first roller
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are method and apparatus for transferring graphene. The graphene transferring method includes: a graphene synthesizing operation comprising forming at least one layer of graphene on at least one surface of a catalyst metal film; a substrate film attaching operation comprising contacting an adhesive first surface of the substrate film to the at least one layer of graphene and compressing the catalyst metal film and the substrate film by using a first roller; and a substrate film separating operation comprising separating the substrate film from the catalyst metal film such that the at least one layer of graphene is separated from the catalyst metal film together with the substrate film.