Hydrogenated graphene systems: A novel growth and hydrogenation process

Octadecylphosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers were used as a combined carbon and hydrogen source to grow graphene films on sapphire substrates via hot filament chemical vapor deposition. The functionalized substrates were sealed with a thin Cu film and heated to 950°C under Ar flow. After synthesis, the Cu was etched away. The graphene samples then underwent a hydrogenation treatment in the same reactor setup, exposed to a CH₄/H₂ gas mixture at 820°C for 2 hours. The structure and properties of the graphene films before and after hydrogenation were characterized. Raman spectroscopy was employed to probe the defect-related bands and C-H bonding. X-ray diffraction provided insights into the crystalline structure and interlayer spacing. The ferromagnetic response was measured using a PPMS system across a range of temperatures and magnetic fields. XPS was used to assess the chemical composition and bonding. This multi-step process enabled a detailed evaluation of the novel synthesis protocol and its effects on the resulting hydrogenated graphene material.