Frog in Manufacturing Processes !!!

Dear readers, welcome to another update on our pet tadpole turned frog!

Today's post is going to be about how frogs keep their feet attached to submerged leaves and incorporating this idea into graphene manufacturing. Its going to be a bit technical to some of you guys, so i'll try to keep it simple and easy
:)

Graphene is known to be an atom-thick layer of carbon material, and is renowned for its impeccable strength and conductivity. Graphene has high potential in being used in electronic chips and solar cells, however it faces a big challenge when manufacturers plan to manufacture graphenes in large quantity 

Example of a 3D modeled graphene sheet

Graphenes are created from graphite by growing them on silicon wafers. A copper-based catalyst is also added to grow them. After growing, the catalyst needs to be removed. 

Here lies the challenge:
Graphene needs to remain attached on the silicon wafer while removing  the catalyst

Finally last year (2013), a team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by Professor Loh Kian Ping, has successfully developed an innovative one-step method to grow and transfer high-quality graphene grown on silicon wafers. 

The inspiration attained for this method came from observing how tree frogs keep their feet attached on leaves submerged in water. Tree frogs use trapped bubbles on their feet in order to stay afloat on submerged leaves. The bubbles form capillary bridges: stretched structures that exert an inward force on both ends, holding them together. It is the same effect that holds a sand castle together!

The one-step method in producing graphenes by NUS is also known as the face-to-face transfer. The process begins with a layer of copper-based catalyst coating the silicon disc. later on graphene is grown on the catalyst and then a bubble is used to adhere it to the disc. Thus, even as the catalyst was removed, graphenes will stay in place. A picture speaks a thousand words, see the procedures of face-to-face transfer for yourself on the diagram below!

Face-to-face process of producing grahene

               So guys, we hope you enjoyed this post!
               Keep following us, and do comment for any
               enquiries or further understandings.

               Have a nice day!