Synthesis of graphene via combustion of acetylene and oxygen gas

Recent research has shown that ignition of certain fuel rich ratios of acetylene and oxygen gas within a confined chamber will result in solid graphene as a product. Graphene, a single atom thick layer of carbon that is known for its relative strength and electrical properties, is often made via physical exfoliation or one of numerous deposition processes. In contrast, combustion synthesis of acetylene could be a far cheaper and simpler method for graphene production, possibly being only a tenth of the cost compared to current methods of production. This research focused on the mechanism behind graphene formation, observing the flame velocity and combustion pressure of varying oxygen:acetylene ratios in order to determine ideal conditions for graphene formation. These results will be used to compare the flame front velocity of a stochiometric oxygen:acetylene ratio to the velocity of varying oxygen:carbon (O/C) mixes from 0.25 to 0.75 O/C. This flame velocity data combined with graphene production tests using the same O/C ratios will aid in determination of the most efficient conditions for synthesis of graphene via hydrocarbon combustion.