In the field of science and technology, graphene is the best discovery. The amazing properties of this wonder material make everyone curious to know it further.
For example, it is harder than diamond and, on the other hand, more elastic than rubber. Feeling surprised? That’s not just what it is known for. On top of that, it is the lightest material and the best conductor of heat and light.
Well, graphene is a super thin layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice structure. This is just one atom thick.
Now, if we add nitrogen atoms to graphene, a new amazing thing named nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) will come into existence. With this mixture, the properties will be even more useful and versatile.
And how to do that? We’ll discuss that all in this article. Along with that, we’ll talk about the major applications of N-graphene.
What are the methods to synthesize Nitrogen-doped graphene?
There are many methods to synthesize N-graphene, such as:
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Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method
The CVD method is one of the popular methods.
Here’s how it works:
First, scientists take a substance called pyridine, which has nitrogen in it and mix in a tiny bit of methane. Then, they heat them up together. When they get hot enough, they break apart, and the carbon and nitrogen atoms rearrange themselves on a surface, forming a layer of graphene with nitrogen atoms mixed in.
This technique is pretty cool because it lets scientists make single-layer and multi-layer graphene with nitrogen atoms in it. This can have special properties that regular graphene doesn’t.
Using this technique to improve the performance of electronic devices can be beneficial.
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Gas Annealing Method
In this method, scientists use the temperature above 500°C to heat up the solid carbon source and nitrogen source gas within a tube furnace. This high-temperature environment helps nitrogen atoms to mix into the graphene. As a result, N-graphene is synthesized.
The duration of the heating is a crucial factor. It helps to determine the extent of the nitrogen doping and the quality of the synthesized material.
Typically, longer hours mean the enhanced properties of the N-graphene. But the longer hours don’t work the same everytime. That means you will create a balance between the required nitrogen doping level and material quality.
Once it is achieved, the process shouldn’t take more time. Just because the requirements fluctuate, so does the time.
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Laser Ablation in Liquid
The other method is Laser Ablation in Liquid. It is used to synthesize nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from carbon nano onions.
By subjecting carbon nano onions to laser ablation in a liquid environment, GQDs come into the perfect shape. The best thing about this method? It offers fast production times. That means the results will be available in a shorter time.
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Nitrogen Plasma Method
If we’ve to name a cheap and easy method, the Nitrogen plasma method will shine. The reason for its being cheap and easy is because it can be done at room temperature. Amazing, isn’t it?
So, in this method, scientists actually expose the carbon source to nitrogen plasma to synthesize N-graphene.
Moreover, industries that need N-graphene in bulk quantities can consider this option. It’s all about enjoying more without breaking the bank.
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Dry Ball Milling
In this process, scientists take a dry carbon material, such as graphite powder, and then use a mechanical ball milling. The whole process takes place in the presence of a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, typically under N2 or NH3 gas.
As the name suggests, the ball crushes and grinds the mixture together, resulting in the N-graphene.
What are the applications of Nitrogen-doped graphene?
Here are the major applications of N-graphene in many fields:
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Conductive Filler in Polymer Resin Adhesive
When it comes to listing down the applications, the first one is its role as a conductive filler in polymer resin adhesive.
For example, with the synthesis of N-graphene nanosheets, researchers have found ways to enhance the performance of electrically conductive adhesives.
This application can be the best fit for the materials that offer efficient electrical conduction while maintaining mechanical integrity.
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Drug delivery
Another notable application is in drug delivery.
A study shows that nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) are more effective than pristine GQDs for drug delivery purposes.
That means using N-GQDs offers major benefits such as improved biocompatibility and enhanced drug loading capacity.
Plus, their unique physicochemical properties make them suitable for bioimaging applications. This allows monitoring of how the drugs are being delivered.
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Energy Storage
On top of that, their application lies in energy storage technology.
With its high electron mobility and large surface area, N-graphene offers effective charge storage and rapid energy release. They can be used as high-performing capacitor materials.
This is crucial for various energy storage applications. That can include portable electronics or grid-scale energy systems.
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Food Additive Analysis
Also, scientists use them to analyze additives like brilliant blue in food. Their special properties make them great at detecting such additives with precision.
In short, using N-GQDs, scientists can quickly and accurately check food products. This tells us about how safe they are and what their quality standards are. As a result, this ensures that consumers can intake them or not.
So, using this graphene type in food analysis is a big step forward in keeping our food supply safe. For More Information
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, graphene is one of the most effective discoveries in the world of science and technology. This tiny material is the best conductor of heat and light. Plus, their lightweight and flexibility stand them out. To improve their properties further, scientists add nitrogen to them. This results in the new graphene, known as Nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene). Scientists use multiple methods to synthesize N-graphene. They are chemical vapor deposition (CVD), gas annealing, laser ablation in liquid, nitrogen plasma, and dry ball milling. Lastly, N-graphene plays an important role in drug delivery, energy storage, food additive analysis, and polymer resin adhesive. Thank visiting worldnewfox.com