THE DISCOVERY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CARBON ALLOTROPE GUITAR
Foutch, Jeremy Douglas. (2016). THE DISCOVERY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CARBON ALLOTROPE GUITAR. Theses and Dissertations Collection, University of Idaho Library Digital Collections. https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/etd/items/foutch_idaho_0089n_11035.html
- Title:
- THE DISCOVERY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CARBON ALLOTROPE GUITAR
- Author:
- Foutch, Jeremy Douglas
- Date:
- 2016
- Keywords:
- Allotrope Carbon Electrode Graphene Graphite Nanotubes
- Program:
- Chemistry
- Subject Category:
- Chemistry; Materials Science
- Abstract:
-
GUITAR (Graphene from the University of Idaho Thermolyzed Asphalt Reaction) was first observed as a silvery deposit on the inside of a porcelain crucible after the pyrolysis of oil shale during a routine metals analysis. After initial characterization by optical and electron microscopies it was thought to be multi-layered graphene or graphene paper. Raman spectrographic analysis indicated that it was a nano-crystalline graphite or graphene. Electrochemical characterization showed three significant differences from graphene or graphite; (1) There is lack of electrolyte intercalation through basal plane and edge planes of GUITAR, (2) there is fast heterogenous electron transfer at both the basal plane as well as the edge plane and (3) the hydrogen overpotential is much higher. In this work, GUITAR was subjected to a battery of techniques to more fully characterize its composition, morphology, and structure. Based on the results obtained, it is proposed that GUITAR is a highly noble, porous material, consisting of nanometer-sized grains of two-dimensional graphene-like layers, which are interconnected by three-dimensional diamond-like “defects.” This unique structure begins to give some explanation as to why GUITAR displays many of the useful and superior qualities of both graphene and diamond.
- Description:
- masters, M.S., Chemistry -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2016
- Major Professor:
- Cheng, Frank
- Committee:
- Allen, Peter; Edwards, Dean
- Defense Date:
- 2016
- Identifier:
- Foutch_idaho_0089N_11035
- Type:
- Text
- Format Original:
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Rights:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted. For more information, please contact University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives Department at libspec@uidaho.edu.
- Standardized Rights:
- http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/