Graphene As a Support for Nanocrystals

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon network, provides an intriguing platform for anchoring inorganic nanostructures due to its extremely high surface area and conductivity.  We demonstrate the application of graphene-supported nanocrystals in two applications: 1. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) supports for enhanced imaging contrast and 2. Lithium-ion battery electrodes.

We use graphene as a TEM support for silicon nanocrystals in place of conventional amorphous carbon.  Because of its low electron scattering, graphene enables silicon nanocrystals to be imaged at high resolution with higher contrast compared to conventional supports. We have demonstrated the application of graphene-supported nanocrystals as a high capacity anode material for lithium ion batteries.  Graphene/nanocrystal composites exhibit enhanced charge capacity compared to non-supported nanocrystals.