Multilayer Graphene Growth Assisted by Sulfur Using the Arc Discharge Method at Ambient Conditions

Graphene, a 2-D hexagonal array of carbon atoms, has interesting physical properties, which make this material interesting in applications such as energy storage devices and supercapacitors. The approach here proposed is the use of sulfur as a promoter of sp
²
bonds to form graphite domains and with the particularity of using air at atmospheric pressure to create an electric arc discharge. From diagnostic realized with Raman spectroscopy, it has been observed that the carbonaceous material obtained without the addition of sulfur has a defective graphitic structure, but when sulfur is added, the formation of multilayer graphene is enhanced. Scanning electronic microscopy corroborates the synthesis of graphene-like material. Optical emission spectroscopy studies were realized to the plasma; electronic and rotational temperatures obtained allow envisaging a local thermodynamic equilibrium; some spectra obtained show the existence of reactive sulfur species which possibly are nucleation centers of graphitic domains.