Direct Evidence of Graphene‐Induced Molecular Reorientation in Polymer Films. Issue 12 (4th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carr, Amanda J.; Head, Ashley; Boscoboinik, Jorge Anibal; Bhatia, Surita R.; Eisaman, Matthew D.
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 7:Issue 12(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-05-04
• Subjects: chemical vapor deposition -- graphene transfer -- graphene/polymer interfaces -- polarization modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy -- polymer films -- Raman spectroscopy; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.202000113
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: For the first time, direct evidence of graphene‐induced molecular reorientation in polymer films using polarization modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM‐IRRAS) is presented. By creating favorable electrostatic interactions, graphene–polymer interfaces can be controlled by varying polymer and solvent composition. After transfer of unmodified graphene from copper onto a polymer substrate, polymer chain rearrangement relative to the orientation at the polymer‐copper interfaces is observed using PM‐IRRAS. Transfer success is characterized using both optical transmission measurements and Raman spectroscopy to quantify the transfer fidelity, that is, graphene coverage fraction. Taken together, oxygen‐containing poly(ethylene‐ co ‐vinyl acetate) shows more polymer chain rearrangement and better graphene coverage compared to oxygen‐free polyethylene. Polymer composition seems to dominate graphene–polymer interactions while solvent choice has a smaller effect on transfer quality. These results are the first direct measurement of this effect and point toward the possibility of engineering graphene–polymer interactions for specific applications. Abstract : These novel polarization modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy data on polymer‐graphene systems using two different polymer substrates show for the first time graphene‐induced polymer bond movement. Graphene coverage fidelity measurements connect bond movement to successful graphene transfer. Polymer composition dominates transfer success. Solvent quality also affects transfer to a lesser extent.