This week has been focused on characterization of the substances being formed by flash joule heating and laser induced graphene. When a substance is flashed, the researcher is never sure whether the flash created actual graphene or another carbon allotrope such as graphite. The powders generated look the same. Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the SEM (electron microscope) are used to determine what was actually created. Each piece of equipment uses different methods to help determine what is made. This week I have focused on learning how to use and interpret and analyze the material that was produced. I had special one on one training on each piece of equipment. Each one had it’s own procedures, rules and regulations. I had to take an additional safety lesson on the use of the X-Ray diffraction machine. In the meantime, the lab has been waiting on PFAS samples from the Navy to be able to conduct the PFAS experiments.
All of the graduate students involved with Dr. Tour’s lab have treated me well and have been glad to help me. This week Phelecia showed me her methods in flashing PFAS. The Tour Lab meeting this week was very interesting. A 4th year grad student gave a presentation on how graphene can be used in concrete to increase its strength while making it less heavy. It turns out that making concrete accounts for 8% of the worlds CO2 emissions. This alone will have a huge impact on lowering CO2 in our atmosphere. Other researches are working on other forms of CO2 absorption, and improving battery technology.
Phelecia’s Lab area, working on PFAS
X-Ray Diffraction Machine
The graph will tell what carbon allotrope you have.
Very cool that you are being trained on all the machines! Is your graph showing the different allotropes of carbon from the X-ray diffraction machine or the Raman? I knew graphene was being added to concrete to increase its strength while reducing its weight. It’s really awesome work they’re doing in Dr. Tour’s lab!