Production and characterization of reduced graphene oxide films as transparent and conductive contacts

ABSTRACT Dispersions of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were respectively chemically produced by the modified Hummers method and by reducing GO with the addition of PSS polymer (poly (4-styrenesulfonate sodium)) and ascorbic acid. Samples of GO and rGO/PSS were characterized by the following techniques: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From the dispersions thin films were deposited on glass substrates by the following methods: spray, dip coating and spin coating. The films produced were then thermally treated to improve adhesion on substrates and, specifically for GO films, for reduction, so as to form thermally reduced graphene oxide (trGO). The films were characterized as thickness, morphology, transmittance and sheet resistance. By means of the characterizations made from the dispersions it was possible to observe graphene sheets by optical microscopy, indicating the success of the production method employed; by means of the XPS, the composition of the samples of GO and rGO was determined and confirmed that the reduction with ascorbic acid was effective; the obtained transmittances were within the range indicated for application and the resistivities of some samples reached values close to that of materials traditionally applied as transparent films and conductors.