X-ray micro-computed tomography as a non-destructive tool for imaging the uptake of metal nanoparticles by graphene-based 3D carbon structures

Christopher T. G. Smith; Christopher A. Mills; Silvia Pani; Rhys Rhodes; Josh J. Bailey; Samuel J. Cooper; Tanveerkhan S. Pathan; Vlad Stolojan; Daniel J. L. Brett; Paul R. Shearing; S. Ravi P. Silva

doi:10.1039/C9NR03056E

X-ray micro-computed tomography as a non-destructive tool for imaging the uptake of metal nanoparticles by graphene-based 3D carbon structures†

Christopher T. G. Smith,

^a Christopher A. Mills,

^ab Silvia Pani,^c Rhys Rhodes,^a Josh J. Bailey,

^d Samuel J. Cooper,

^e Tanveerkhan S. Pathan,^d Vlad Stolojan,^a Daniel J. L. Brett,

^d Paul R. Shearing

^d and S. Ravi P. Silva

*^a

Author affiliations

* Corresponding authors

^a Nano-Electronics Centre, Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
E-mail: s.silva@surrey.ac.uk

^b Metallic and Functional Coatings Group, Surface Engineering Department, Tata Steel, Research Development and Technology, Talbot building, Swansea University, UK

^c Centre for Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK

^d Electrochemical Innovation Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK

^e Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK

Abstract

Graphene-based carbon sponges can be used in different applications in a large number of fields including microelectronics, energy harvesting and storage, antimicrobial activity and environmental remediation. The functionality and scope of their applications can be broadened considerably by the introduction of metallic nanoparticles into the carbon matrix during preparation or post-synthesis. Here, we report on the use of X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) as a method of imaging graphene sponges after the uptake of metal (silver and iron) nanoparticles. The technique can be used to visualize the inner structure of the graphene sponge in 3D in a non-destructive fashion by providing information on the nanoparticles deposited on the sponge surfaces, both internal and external. Other deposited materials can be imaged in a similar manner providing they return a high enough contrast to the carbon microstructure, which is facilitated by the low atomic mass of carbon.

Nanoscale

X-ray micro-computed tomography as a non-destructive tool for imaging the uptake of metal nanoparticles by graphene-based 3D carbon structures†

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X-ray micro-computed tomography as a non-destructive tool for imaging the uptake of metal nanoparticles by graphene-based 3D carbon structures

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