Study Shows Graphene-Cu2O Hybrid Structure Slows Down Oxidation of Copper

Since its discovery, copper has been vital to human technology. In ancient times, it was used to make weapons and tools. Even today, it finds extensive use, specifically in electronic devices that need wiring.

Scientists in Korea are first to observe an unprecedented way in which graphene forms a hybrid layer that prevents copper corrosion
Scientists in Korea are first to observe an unprecedented way in which graphene forms a hybrid layer that prevents copper corrosion. Image Credit: Chung-Ang University.

However, a difficulty faced while using copper is the oxidization of its surface over time, even under ambient conditions, eventually resulting in corrosion. Therefore, formulating a long-term technique to safeguard the exposed surfaces of copper is an important goal.

Coating the surfaces of metal with anti-corrosive substances is one common way to prevent corrosion. Graphene has been widely investigated as a substance for anti-corrosive coating because it acts as a barrier to gas molecules.

However, in spite of these characteristics, graphene sheets have been observed to protect copper from corrosion only for shorter periods of time (less than 24 hours). An astonishing fact is that following this initial period, graphene seems to increase the rate of corrosion of copper, which is completely contradictory to its anti-corrosive property.

Led by Prof. Hyungbin Son, a team of researchers from Chung-Ang University, Korea, analyzed graphene islands on a copper substrate to study its corrosion patterns in order to gain more insights into the unique nature of graphene observed in its interactions with copper.

Graphene is known to be mechanically very strong and impermeable to all gases, including hydrogen. Following studies claiming that the corrosion of copper substrates was accelerated under graphene through various defects, these properties have attracted great attention as an oxidation barrier for metals and have been controversial for over a decade.

Hyungbin Son, Professor, Chung-Ang University

Prof. Son continued, “However, they have not been qualitatively investigated over longer time scales. Thus, we were motivated to study the role of graphene as a corrosion-resistant film at the graphene-copper interface.”

Raman spectroscopy, white light interferometry, and scanning electron microscopy were used by Prof. Son and his colleagues to look at the trends in copper corrosion for 30 days.

Initially, the researchers identified that corrosion developed at the edges, spreading copper oxide (Cu2O), the oxidized form of copper, at different defects like grain boundaries, edges, and missing atoms. This led to the splitting of water vapor, which supplied oxygen for the oxidation process, to a point where the entire barrier appeared to be rendered useless and copper was completely corroded beneath.

Due to graphene’s impact on ambient water vapor, the copper substrate’s protected portion was highly corroded compared to the unprotected portion. As time passed, the build-up of Cu2O beneath the graphene sheet scattered the strain and led to p-doping in graphene—forming a hybrid-like structure. However, following 13 days of exposure to ambient conditions, the researchers found something new.

They noticed that the corrosion had considerably slowed down, with the formation of a new hybrid of graphene and Cu2O layer. At the same time, continuous corrosion of the unprotected copper was observed at a constant rate, until it had infiltrated far deeper compared to the corrosion beneath the graphene shield.

These outcomes reveal that graphene, indeed, serves to protect copper from deep, penetrating oxidation, in contrast to the conclusions of earlier studies.

We observed that over a longer time scale (more than 1 year), the graphene-Cu2O hybrid structure became a protective layer against oxidation. The area beyond the graphene was heavily oxidized with CuO, with a depth of 270 nm.

Hyungbin Son, Professor, Chung-Ang University

Finally, this research has found a solution to the question of whether it is possible to use graphene to protect copper against oxidation.

For nearly a decade, graphene’s anti-corrosive properties have been controversial, with many studies suggesting that graphene accelerates the oxidation of copper (resulting in its corrosion). We have shown for the first time that the graphene-Cu2O hybrid structure, which forms over a long period, significantly slows down the oxidation of copper in the long term, as compared to bare copper.

Hyungbin Son, Professor, Chung-Ang University

More time will be needed before establishing further applications of graphene as an anti-corrosive material. However, one definite thing is that this study has prospectively brought down various barriers in using graphene to increase copper’s service life.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Pullen, Matt. (2020, February 19). Study Shows Graphene-Cu2O Hybrid Structure Slows Down Oxidation of Copper. AZoNano. Retrieved on December 11, 2024 from https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=37155.

  • MLA

    Pullen, Matt. "Study Shows Graphene-Cu2O Hybrid Structure Slows Down Oxidation of Copper". AZoNano. 11 December 2024. <https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=37155>.

  • Chicago

    Pullen, Matt. "Study Shows Graphene-Cu2O Hybrid Structure Slows Down Oxidation of Copper". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=37155. (accessed December 11, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Pullen, Matt. 2020. Study Shows Graphene-Cu2O Hybrid Structure Slows Down Oxidation of Copper. AZoNano, viewed 11 December 2024, https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=37155.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.