In this work, three-dimensional graphene foams (GFs) are synthesized and characterized by scanning electron micro- scope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM images indicate that after the growth of graphene, the graphene covers the surface of nickel (Ni) foam uniformly. Raman spectra show that the percentages of monolayer, bilayer, trilayer, and multilayer graphenes are - 58%, - 32%, - 8%, and ,.o 2%, respectively. The contact angle (CA) (-- 12°) of water droplet (3 p-L) on GF is found to be larger than that on Ni foam (,- 107°), indicating that graphenes have changed the surface wettability of the Ni foam. Meanwhile, the dynamic characteristics of CA of water droplet on GF are different from those on Ni foam. The mechanisms for different behaviors are discussed, which are attributed to volatilization and seepage of water droplets.
Graphene, a new two-dimensional carbon material, is a rising star of physics, chemistry and materials science. In this work, we report the recent experimental researches on the Raman spectra and the temperature-dependent features of graphenes and car- bon nanoscrolls, which are evolved from graphene and have an open tubular structure. The layer-dependent Raman enhancing characteristics of n-layer graphenes for crystal violet, and the thickness-dependent morphologies of gold on n-layer graphenes are also systematically investigated. Meanwhile, the aggregations of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic atoms at edges of gra- phenes and graphite are observed and the mechanisms are discussed.
The attractions of cantilevers made of multiwalled carbon nanotubes(MWNTs) and secured on one end are studied in the non-uniform magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Under an optical microscope, the positions and the corresponding deflections of the original cantilevers(with iron catalytic nanoparticles at the free end) and corresponding cut-off cantilevers(the free ends consisting of open ends of MWNTs) are studied. Both kinds of CNT cantilevers are found to be attracted by the magnet, and the point of application of force is proven to be at the tip of the cantilever. By measuring and comparing deflections between these two kinds of cantilevers, the magnetic moment at the open ends of the CNTs can be quantified.Due to the unexpectedly high value of the magnetic moment at the open ends of carbon nanotubes, it is called giant magnetic moment, and its possible mechanisms are proposed and discussed.