Synthesis of SiC/graphene nanosheet composites by helicon wave plasma*

We report an approach to the rapid, one-step, preparation of a variety of wide-bandgap silicon carbide/graphene nanosheet (SiC/GNSs) composites by using a high-density helicon wave plasma (HWP) source. The microstructure and morphology of the SiC/GNSs are characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and fluorescence (PL). The nucleation mechanism and the growth model are discussed. The existence of SiC and graphene structure are confirmed by XRD and Raman spectra. The electron excitation temperature is calculated by the intensity ratio method of optical emission spectroscopy. The main peak in the PL test is observed at 420 nm, with a corresponding bandgap of 2.95 eV that indicates the potential for broad application in blue light emission and ultraviolet light emission, field electron emission, and display devices.

Automated summary

An approach to the rapid preparation of wide-bandgap SiC/GNSs composites using a high-density HWP source was reported. The microstructure and morphology of the composites were characterized, confirming the potential for broad applications.