Direct synthesis of graphene on any nonmetallic substrate based on KrF laser ablation of ordered pyrolytic graphite

We present a method for few-layer graphene growth on nonmetallic substrates using excimer KrF laser ablation of ordered pyrolytic graphite. The graphene is scalable and its thickness is controllable. It can be deposited on virtually any nonmetallic substrates at a relative low temperature of 750 degrees C. This laser-based method is highly efficient and the whole growing process takes less than 100 s. Raman spectroscopy confirms the formation of sp(2)-bonded carbon with a grain size of about 40 nm. The optical transmittance and conductivity of the graphene films are comparable with exfoliated or metal-catalyzed graphene. This work demonstrates a promising laser-based, transfer-free technique for synthesis of graphene.