Preparation of graphene-based nanomaterials by pulsed RF discharges on liquid organic compounds

A new pulsed RF plasma reactor has been used for the synthesis of graphene-based nanomaterials under atmopheric pressure conditions. This is an environmental-friendly system, not using catalyst and where no hazardous components are generated. Nanographenes formed upon plasma treatment of some hydrocarbons (cyclohexane, cyclohexene, heptane, hexane, pentane, and toluene), while N-containing organic compounds (cyclohexylamine, pyridine, dipropylamine, and triethylamine) resulted in N-doped graphenes. Synthesis took place in a very fast way, mediated by plasma reactive species. (paper)