A method for separation of graphene layers could pave way to high-speed electronics

An international team of researchers from Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Institute of Electronic Materials Technology in Poland designed an innovative method for separating a layer (or “carpet”, as they put it) of graphene from its supporting substance.

While traditional methods require separaing graphene from a substrate (which leads to degradation of the mobility of the electrons), this research presents an breakthrough in that it enables the graphene layer to be ‘lifted’ from the substrate by forcing hydrogen molecules between the two layers. According to the scientists, by forming a “carpet” of graphene, it is possible to improve the electronic properties, increasing the mobility of charge carriers by more than three times. This research may bring graphene a step closer to its incorporation in high-speed electronics.