Ultrafast Transformations for Materials Synthesis and Mechanisms of Formation
Abstract
Our lab has made many advances in the synthesis and applications of laser induced graphene (LIG) since we discovered the process in 2014 but the exact mechanism by which it is formed has not yet been determined. In this project we will investigate the mechanism of formation of LIG and other carbon containing materials under ultrafast heating and cooling conditions. We will conduct these ultrafast transformations with lasers and flash Joule heating (FJH) and observe these transformations as they occur in the reaction vessels. These observations will be made with very sensitive methods such as transmission electron microscopy and quartz crystal microbalance weighing. The time temperature transformation kinetics for the synthesis of materials will be determined and this data will be used to develop materials synthesis methods to produce various properties and morphologies. The microstructure obtained from LIG is as graphene foam. The foam has a high surface area and many of its physical properties, such as stability, mechanical strength, and high conductivity, would benefit varied applications. We will investigate the use of ultrafast heating by laser and FJH to form foams from a variety of the emerging classes of 2D materials. For all phases of this project, collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Air Force Research Laboratory are planned. As examples of applications of this technology, we will fabricate chemical sensors from LIG to detect harmful and poisonous gases; should we be successful in detecting insecticides, we will seek a contract with Sandia National Laboratory to detect simulated nerve agents. We will investigate using FJH to imbed 2 10 nm metal containing nanoparticles into LIG for electrocatalytic, energy storage and other applications. The successful completion of this project will lead to better understanding of the formation of LIG and other materials, greatly increasing foundational knowledge in the materials science field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910296
Entities
People
- James Tour
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Rice University
- United States Air Force