Bifunctional catalytic effect of Mo 2 C/oxide interface on multi-layer graphene growth.

Authors :: Kizir S
van den Beld WTE
Schurink B
van de Kruijs RWE
Benschop JPH
Bijkerk F
Source :: Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2021 Jul 28; Vol. 11 (1), pp. 15377. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jul 28.
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: The role of the Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C/oxide interface on multi-layer graphene (MLG) nucleation during a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process is investigated. During the CVD process, MLG growth is only observed in the presence of a Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C/SiO <subscript>2</subscript> interface, indicating that the chemical reactions occurring at this interface trigger the nucleation of MLG. The chemical reaction pathway is explained in four steps as (1) creation of H radicals, (2) reduction of the oxide surface, (3) formation of C-C bonds at O-H sites, and (4) expansion of graphitic domains on the Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C catalyst. Different Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C/oxide interfaces are investigated, with varying affinity for reduction in a hydrogen environment. The results demonstrate a catalyst/oxide bifunctionality on MLG nucleation, comprising of CH <subscript>4</subscript> dehydrogenation by Mo <subscript>2</subscript> C and initial C-C bond formation at the oxide interface.<br /> (© 2021. The Author(s).)

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