Towards an atomic-scale understanding of interface characteristics in graphene/Al composites

Reaction-free interface may promote strength-ductility balance in graphene/Al composites benefiting from the tight interfacial bonding, but it is still unknown whether it is realized by physical or diffusion bonding. In this study, in-depth understanding of interface characteristics in graphene/Al composites was studied at an atomic scale in terms of interface composition, configuration and interplanar spacing. It was found that no C and Al atomic inter-diffusion occurred at graphene/Al interface by EELS, and all the Al-C interface spacing was measured in the range of 3-4 angstrom by HRTEM, in good agreement with the calculation from density functional theory. The interface characteristics were not varied with different interfacial bonding, i.e., physical or reaction bonding. This work provides a new understanding of graphene-Al interface and would promote the development of high-performance graphene/Al composites.

Automated summary

In this study, the interface characteristics of graphene/Al composites were investigated at an atomic scale. It was found that there was no inter-diffusion of carbon and aluminum atoms at the graphene/Al interface, and the interface characteristics remained the same regardless of the bonding mechanism. This study provides new insights into the graphene-Al interface and could contribute to the development of high-performance graphene/Al composites.