Synthesis of Nitrogen Doped Graphene via Gas Phase Explosive Synthesis

Graphene is a two dimensional hexagonal lattice structure of carbon atoms that has tremendous potential for uses ranging from electronics and sensors to new catalysts for chemical reactions. Recently, interest has grown in the potential to "dope" graphene with elements such as nitrogen to alter the physical and chemical properties for expanded uses including semiconductors, supercapacitors, and chemical catalysts. Current methods of production for nitrogen doped graphene, or N-graphene, are often vapor deposition processes or treating existing graphene with a nitrogen plasma, processes that require expensive equipment to do properly. This research used gas phase explosive synthesis of acetylene gas as a basis for graphene production, with the addition of nitrogen containing gasses to add a nitrogen dopant during the synthesis process. Using a single step synthesis reaction that directly incorporates nitrogen into the graphene lattice simplifies production, eliminating the need for a post-synthesis addition step to add nitrogen. The identification of suitable nitrogen precursor gasses and a repeatable process for N-graphene production will allow further research into new uses for N-graphene at a far lower cost than traditional methods currently allow.