ENSURING QUALITY WITH ANALYSIS

Hello Carolina! Could you tell us how 2D fab works with analysis and characterization?

– ­Here at 2D fab we work with analysis and characterization on a regular basis. Every sample that comes from the production is sent for characterization. A standard sample preparation and analysis protocol is followed for each technique we use. This way we can guarantee the quality of our graphene. It also allows us to constantly improve the graphene grades as well as the repeatability of our results.

What methods do 2D fab use?

– ­We are currently using SEM, a nanoscale microscopy analysis, to get a feeling of what the sample looks like, for example, if it is well exfoliated and what the aspect ratio of the graphene flakes is. We also use particle size analysis to get information about the size distribution. UV-vis spectroscopy is then used for quantification. We investigate how much graphene is in the samples and what the yield is. This technique also gives us information about the thickness of the graphene. Raman spectroscopy is another technique that we are currently developing to confirm the thickness of the flakes that we get from UV-vis.

Why is it important to analyse and characterize?

– All these measurements are important to guarantee the quality, repeatability, and reliability of all our products. Different applications require different grades of graphene, depending on which characteristics are to be improved. This ultimately allows us to offer our customers the best product for their individual need, in terms of quality and price.

 2D fab is involved in the standardization of graphene, can you tell us more about that?

– We want to show everyone that we have a material that stands out from the rest of the market. To do so, we need to be able to describe the material properties in a quantitative way and with an agreed terminology. This is what enables a comparison between different graphene products available on the market. However, standardization is still a challenge when it comes to 2D materials, and therefore we continuously work to characterize our graphene in the best way that we can, and constantly seek to improve our methods. One of my colleagues at 2D fab, Britta Andres, is actively involved in the ISO and SIS committees for nanotechnologies, which are the Swedish and International committees for standardization.

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Britta Andres: “Many companies say
that they manufacture graphene,
but in reality, they don’t”