Graphene is an ultrathin allotrope of carbon (diamond and graphite are the other common allotropes of carbon). It consists of a single layer of sp2-bonded carbon atoms with each atom bound to three neighbors in a honeycomb structure.

Single atom thick graphene is sometimes called monolayer graphene or single-layer graphene and abbreviated as 1LG. Bilayer graphene consists of two well-defined stacked graphene layers (2LG). Few layer(s) graphene consists of three to ten well-defined stacked graphene layers (FLG).

Graphene may be synthesized from a gaseous carbon source at high temperatures using a process known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Another method uses a chemical process, acids, and heat to exfoliate graphite to produce graphene in a powder form. These graphene powders include graphene oxide (GO), a compound of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen) reduced graphene oxide (rGO), a compound with less oxygen and more carbon than GO; graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) short stacks of platelet-shaped graphene sheets that are identical to those found in the walls of carbon nanotubes, but in a planar form. Other carbon materials closely related to graphene include fullerenes (also known as “Bucky balls”) graphene quantum dots (GQD) and carbon nanotubes.

To understand what CVD graphene is, it is important to understand the definition of CVD. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is a process involving the high-temperature activation of gaseous hydrocarbons (e.g., methane) in the presence of a catalytic substrate, typically a copper or nickel foil. The subsequent chemical reactions deposit a thin, stable carbon lattice on the catalyst surface.

Graphene is flexible, electrically and thermally conductive, optically transparent, and impermeable.

Graphene’s unique properties stem from its atomic structure, particularly the sp2 hybridized covalent bonding of its carbon atoms, its free Pi electron availability and nanoscale thickness of 0.345 nm. As a reference, 3 million layers of graphene would be only slightly thicker than 1 mm. Graphene stacked >10 layers is technically classified as graphite. Graphene is the thinnest material known to man – so thin, in fact, that it only has two dimensions in a single-layer format. With a density of 0.77 mg/m2, it also has the highest known surface area any material.

The properties of exfoliated graphenes such as GO and rGO can vary significantly depending on the quality of the mined graphite raw material and exfoliation process used. In contrast, graphene manufactured using CVD, is largely dependent upon highly controlled and predictable industrial material inputs, including the substrate metal foils and the carbon gas precursor. Graphene recipes are designed by varying the pressures and mixtures of the gases used and because a more controllable process is utilized, the quality is generally more consistent.

While a number of factors influence graphene nucleation and growth, it is well established that CVD graphene will always have edges, nanoscale defects and grain boundaries where carbon to carbon bonding can be disrupted. The basic process for CVD graphene production on Copper and Ni is described in the diagram below.

Purchasing graphene has been difficult and incredibly expensive. However, because cost is arguably the biggest impediment to the commercialization of graphene, General Graphene’s manufacturing and graphene transfer systems were specifically designed to produce industrial scale, low-cost and consistent graphene.

At General Graphene, the graphene cost will generally be a function of volumes and the affordability of graphene in the application for which it is intended.

Our standard sheet dimensions include 5 x 5, 8 x 8, and 15 x 15 cm. We also offer larger sizes up to 20 cm x 29 cm (~A4) with slightly higher multilayer content across ~2 cm edges of the width.

We can supply graphene on copper in a roll-to-roll format. Our standard roll-to-roll graphene is typically produced at a width of 200 mm, although other widths may be available on request depending on your application and volume requirements. Please reach out at sales@generalgraphenecorp.com for more details.

Upon request, we can apply PMMA on our roll-to-roll graphene as a protective layer to facilitate handling and transfer. If you are interested in application of a different coating, we would be happy to discuss solutions based on your application needs.

We typically store graphene-coated materials in argon-filled desiccators and recommend an inert environment for storage, especially when copper oxidation is an important factor for the end application.

Instead, we use a wet transfer process to apply the additional graphene layer(s) which allows for greater uniformity in the final stack.

Si/SiO2 wafers
Glass
Polymers such as PET, PI, etc.
Dielectrics such as SU-8

Ultimately, transferability depends on surface energy, atomic-scale roughness of the substrate, adhesion, and the requirements of the specific end application.

We can provide graphene coated with a protective PMMA layer coating. Generally, the thickness of the PMMA layer we apply is around 380 to 400 nanometers but this can be customized as per specific requirements.

To remove the PMMA coating from graphene on copper, the standard method is to use an acetone bath. After transferring the graphene-PMMA stack onto the target substrate and etching away the copper, immerse the sample in acetone for several hours (typically 3 – 12 hours) to dissolve the PMMA. For best results, follow up with an IPA rinse and optionally a low-temperature annealing step to remove residual organics.

Note: Incomplete PMMA removal can leave behind polymer residues that affect graphene performance. For cleaner results, some labs also use thermal annealing in inert or reducing atmospheres (e.g. Ar/H₂) post-transfer.

Yes, graphene can be cut after transfer using laser ablation, plasma etching, or photolithography. However, these methods may introduce defects or thermal damage, affecting performance. For high precision, it is often better to pattern before or during transfer.

Transferred graphene often contains contaminants like PMMA residue, dust, and surface particles. Cleaning typically involves acetone and IPA rinses, followed by thermal annealing in Ar/H₂ at 300–400°C. A NaOH bath can also help remove residual polymers. For deeper cleaning, mild O₂ plasma or UV-ozone treatments may be used, though with caution to avoid surface damage.

The 3D graphene foam provided by General Graphene has a cell diameter of 450 μm with a standard deviation of 25 m. The most common pore size with the most common pore radius centered around 150 μm.

These values reflect the typical size of the voids within the foam structure and are based on a statistically averaged distribution generated from a virtual model designed to replicate real foam morphology. The foam also features a high porosity of ~ 97%, enabling exceptional surface area and permeability.

Yes, we have successfully integrated our 3D graphene foam with biocompatible PDMS to enhance mechanical integrity and improve ease of handling during processing and application.

Collaborators have also embedded our foam into hydrogel matrices using both physical (non-crosslinking) and chemical (crosslinking) techniques, depending on the application requirements. For additional details, please reach out to us at sales@generalgraphenecorp.com.

As a porous lightweight nanomaterial, the 3D graphene foam can be fragile under excessive handling. We recommend using a wide-tipped tweezer to minimize contact stress when working with the foam.

C3 electrodes are intended for use with aqueous solutions. The carbon WE, CE, and the Ag/AgCl RE are compatible with many organic solvents, however, the standard dielectric has more limited solvent compatibility. Please reach out to us at sales@generalgraphenecorp.com with solvent compatibility concerns.

Yes, we offer volume discounts for bulk orders of our C3 electrode. Please reach out to us at sales@generalgraphenecorp.com with your specific quantity requirements, and we’ll be happy to provide a tailored quote.

Yes, we can customize the following attributes:

Surface area of WE, CE, and RE
Dielectric layer being used
Chip dimensions (10 mm x 30mm, or 12 mm x 30 mm recommended)

Please reach out to us at sales@generalgraphenecorp.com with your specific customization requirements, and we’d be happy to assist further accordingly.