Poly(methyl methacrylate)-derived graphene films on different substrates using rapid thermal process: a way to control the film properties through the substrate and polymer layer thickness

Increasing interest and applications for graphene and carbon-based films emphasize the need for economical synthesizing techniques. We report a facile and novel synthesis method to prepare graphene, graphitic carbon, graphitic carbon nitride composite layers depending upon the spin-coated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer layer and substrate used. Few and multilayer graphene sheets were formed on SiO2 covered Si substrate using a simple rapid thermal annealing process. We examined hot plate and rapid thermal annealing using a nickel capping layer and found that the rapid thermal process converted PMMA into graphene efficiently. The resultant graphitic films were characterized using FESEM, HRTEM, XRD and Laser Raman. Current–voltage response of the prepared graphene layers was analyzed fabricating as two terminal devices. The thickness of the formed layer depended on PMMA layer thickness, and the metal capping layer was crucial for converting PMMA into graphene. This polymer conversion method to fabricate graphene layers will be attractive for many graphene applications due to its versatility. Keywords: Graphene, Graphitic carbon, Graphitic carbon nitride, Poly(methyl methacrylate), Polymer, Rapid thermal annealing