Scanning electron observation of protective effect of graphene films on Au nanoparticles

Based on recent developments in nanotechnology, many interesting functions are expected to be performed by nanoscale structures in the future. With these expectations comes the realization that these delicate structures must be protected without interfering with their function. In the study reported here, we studied the protective effects of reduced and non-reduced graphene oxide films on Au nanoparticles deposited on a substrate surface as a type of nanoscale structure. The results indicate that the graphene films can function as a protective layer for the nanoparticles without interfering in their observations by scanning electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate the possibility of using graphene as a protective film for nanoscale structures. (paper)