Oxidation Resistance of Graphene-Coated Cu and Cu/Ni Alloy

TLDR

Protecting refined metals from reactive environments is essential for industry and academia, yet conventional methods often increase thickness and alter metal properties. The study demonstrates, for the first time, that CVD‑grown graphene films can shield Cu and Cu/Ni alloy surfaces from air oxidation. Graphene layers were deposited on the metal substrates by chemical vapor deposition to act as a barrier against oxidation. Graphene prevented oxide formation on the metal surfaces, preserving pristine metal even after 200 °C air exposure for 4 h and hydrogen peroxide treatment, and the method is broadly applicable to any metal that catalyzes graphene growth.

Abstract

The ability to protect refined metals from reactive environments is vital to many industrial and academic applications. Current solutions, however, typically introduce several negative effects, including increased thickness and changes in the metal physical properties. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time the ability of graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition to protect the surface of the metallic growth substrates of Cu and Cu/Ni alloy from air oxidation. In particular, graphene prevents the formation of any oxide on the protected metal surfaces, thus allowing pure metal surfaces only one atom away from reactive environments. SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS studies show that the metal surface is well protected from oxidation even after heating at 200 °C in air for up to 4 h. Our work further shows that graphene provides effective resistance against hydrogen peroxide. This protection method offers significant advantages and can be used on any metal that catalyzes graphene growth.