Laser-induced transformation of graphitic materials to two-dimensional graphene-like structures at ambient conditions

Laser processing of carbon compounds towards the formation of graphene-based structures gains ground in view of the practicality that lasers offer against other conventional graphene preparation methods. The current work explores the viability of low-cost lasers, operating at ambient conditions, for the transformation of various graphitic materials to structures with graphene-like atomic arrangements. Starting materials are at two opposing sides. On one side stands the typical graphite crystal with Bernal stacking and strong sp ² character, while nanocrystalline graphitic powders are also investigated. It is demonstrated that graphene-like structures can be prepared either by starting from a well-organized Bernal-stacked network or by irradiating nanocrystalline carbon. The current findings document that laser processing at minimal chamber conditions shows high potential for preparing high-quality graphene-based structures starting from low-cost materials. Apart from being scalable, the proposed method is adaptable to current technological platforms emerging as a viable and eco-friendly graphene production technology. (paper)