Alfa Chemistry offers optical modification services for two-dimensional (2D) materials to its customers. Optical modification approaches can be used to improve the direct synthesis of large-area 2D materials. Laser-assisted CVD (LCVD), optical synthesis of TMD, laser-assisted liquid phase exfoliation (LPE), laser-induced graphene synthesis, and highly controlled laser ablation are some of the approaches we specialize in. Because all of these systems use a laser as their light source, laser characteristics like as power, energy density, wavelength, and scan speed may be easily adjusted.
We are 2D material creation professionals who will do all possible to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Our modification capabilities are shown below. Please contact us for the best assistance!
Optical Synthesis of 2D Materials
Alfa Chemistry has adopted a novel laser-driven thermochemical reaction-based LCVD technology for the synthetic synthesis of 2D materials. The method's targeted heating at room temperature allows for high-quality films while also expanding the substrate and precursor options. The use of lasers in the CVD process allows chemical reactions to be fine-tuned. Its localization and controllability can also bring new characteristics to the synthesis approach. We control the laser settings to control the material deposition rate and thickness, such as the laser intensity distribution to increase the flakes' homogeneity.
Fig 1. LCVD deposition of graphene from methane and hydrogen precursor gases. (Park J. B, et al. 2011)
Alfa Chemistry also provides a bottom-up synthesis approach for high-quality thin film production. Under ambient conditions, a laser decomposes spin-coated precursor materials, commonly ammonium transition metal tetrathionide complexes, producing TMDs. This optical synthesis approach offers an industrial-scale, in situ adjustable pathway for producing and patterning TMDs.
Laser-Induced Photochemical Synthesis
Our green production method for optical modification is laser-induced photochemical synthesis, which is a fabrication method for creating porous graphene by light-based reduction of aromatic compounds. The procedure is carried out under natural light and can be applied to a variety of carbon-based precursors. Common molecules like polyimide polymers, lignin, and Kevlar, as well as unusual materials like bread and wood, can be used as precursors. Although laser-induced photochemical synthesis is most commonly utilized for graphene, it has the potential to be applied to other single-element 2D materials, allowing for greater versatility.
Laser-Assisted LPE
LPE is an Alfa Chemistry method for exfoliating 2D materials that also employs light's thermal energy. Light with enough energy can be used to ablate the material's C-C bond, and the light flux can be utilized to alter the fragment size. The simplicity and quick processing speed of laser-assisted LPE, which is up to three times faster than conventional liquid-phase exfoliation, are its most significant advantages. Tunable laser parameters also allow for control of flake size and shape.
Fig 2. Laser-assisted liquid phase exfoliation from highly ordered pyrolytic graphite. (Qian M, et al. 2011)
Structuring via Optical Ablation
Optical thinning is a light-based top-down synthesis approach that ablates and evaporates bulky materials into thin layers using a high-powered laser. For laser-driven sublimation, this method typically employs the photothermal effect to precisely break down the material layer by layer. Highly efficient ablation rates can be achieved by modifying the laser parameters.
Local optical thinning enables LDW of 0D to 3D structures in addition to the high speed. Additional properties in partial 2D materials can be accomplished in localized electron energy band structure engineering due to its layer-dependent bandgap.
References
- Park J. B, et al. (2011). "Fast Growth of Graphene Patterns by Laser Direct Writing." Appl. Phys. Lett. 98: 173108.
- Qian M, et al. (2011). "Formation of Graphene Sheets through Laser Exfoliation of Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite." Appl. Phys. Lett. 98: 173108.
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