Electromagnetic Absorption as a Novel Tool in Chemical Vapor Deposition Toolbox: Ultra-Fast Growth of Continuous Graphene Film

This report introduces the electromagnetic absorption of the catalyst as a novel knob in optimizing chemical vapor deposition of graphene. A chromium film initially deposited at one side of a catalyst copper foil absorbs radiative thermal energy several times higher than the plain copper foil and migrates to the other side of the foil in the form of microscale grains. The process involves local melting of the copper which together with the increased operation temperature, improves the crystalline quality of growing graphene. Local melting of copper replaces the otherwise-necessary annealing process; dramatically lowering the process duration and costs. Now a continuous graphene film can be grown in only five minutes, nominating the protocol as the shortest ever reported. The observations reported in this manuscript boost the general knowledge about metal mixture, additional to promoting graphene growth science and technology.