Date of Award

11-20-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Systems Engineering

First Advisor

Alexandru Biris

Abstract

In this research, two subjects are studied: the growth of graphene from various catalysts with RF-CVD and the growth of graphitic nanostructures from gold-decorated graphene with RF-CVD. In the first topic, various catalysts are made with magnesium oxide and metal nanoparticles: iron, silver and gold. Using a radio-frequency generator, these catalysts are heated and placed in contact with three gases (argon, hydrogen and methane). By controlling various parameters, graphene synthesis can happen. The results are analyzed with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermo-gravimetrical analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the second topic, commercial graphene is functionalized and decorated with different sizes of gold nanoparticles (1.8nm, 5nm, 10nm and 50nm). Using the RF-CVD process, these samples are heated at different temperatures (500°C, 650°C and 800°C). Depending on the parameters, different kinds of graphitic nanostructures are synthesized. Results are analyzed with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy.

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