Magnetic properties of carbon nanosheets

Abstract

Two-dimensional carbon nanosheets have been fabricated using inductively coupled radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The structural properties of the nanosheets have been characterised using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometer. The magnetisation of the samples was studied using vibrating sample magnetometer. The magnetisation of the nanosheets was found to be diamagnetic for fast synthesis processes (30 and 60 min). On the other hand, the nanosheets exhibited a weak ferromagnetic response for the slow (120 min) synthesis process. Energy dispersive spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy confirmed that the magnetisation exhibited by the carbon nanosheets was an intrinsic property and that it was not due to contamination from the substrate. Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that the ferromagnetic carbon nanosheets have a higher ratio (1.20) of graphite peak (I _G) to disordered peak (I _D) than normally expected (0.75–0.90). Available data indicated that the magnetisation was due to the presence of structural disorders.

Keywords:

• carbon nanosheets
• magnetisation
• chemical vapour deposition
• vibrating sample magnetometer

Acknowledgement

This paper is dedicated to the silver jubilee celebrations of SRM University and to its Chairman, Thiru. T.R. Pachamuthu, a forerunner in promoting cutting edge research in India.

Notes

Both authors have contributed equally to this work.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Ramaswamy†

Both authors have contributed equally to this work.