X-ray micro-computed tomography as a non-destructive tool for imaging the uptake of metal nanoparticles by graphene-based 3D carbon structures

Christopher T.G. Smith, Christopher A. Mills, Silvia Pani, Rhys Rhodes, Josh J. Bailey, Samuel J. Cooper, Tanveerkhan S. Pathan, Vlad Stolojan, Daniel J.L. Brett, Paul R. Shearing, S. Ravi P. Silva*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Graphene-based carbon sponges can be used in different applications in a large number of fields including microelectronics, energy harvesting and storage, antimicrobial activity and environmental remediation. The functionality and scope of their applications can be broadened considerably by the introduction of metallic nanoparticles into the carbon matrix during preparation or post-synthesis. Here, we report on the use of X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) as a method of imaging graphene sponges after the uptake of metal (silver and iron) nanoparticles. The technique can be used to visualize the inner structure of the graphene sponge in 3D in a non-destructive fashion by providing information on the nanoparticles deposited on the sponge surfaces, both internal and external. Other deposited materials can be imaged in a similar manner providing they return a high enough contrast to the carbon microstructure, which is facilitated by the low atomic mass of carbon.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14734-14741
Number of pages8
JournalNanoscale
Volume11
Issue number31
Early online date19 Jul 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Aug 2019
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors would like to acknowledge funding for this work from DSTL through the provision of a PhD studentship to C. T. G. S. The authors would also like to thank Noel Wardell (Department of Microbial Sciences, University of Surrey) for completing the freeze-drying undertaken in this work.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Copyright:
Copyright 2019 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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