Scalable production of graphene with tunable and stable doping by electrochemical intercalation and exfoliation

Abstract

Graphene's unique semimetallic band structure yields carriers with widely tunable energy levels that enable novel electronic devices and energy generators. To enhance the potential of this feature, a scalable synthesis method for graphene with adjustable Fermi levels is required. We here show that the electrochemical intercalation of FeCl₃ and subsequent electrochemical exfoliation produces graphene whose energy levels can be finely tuned by the intercalation parameters. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that a gradual transition in the bonding character of the intercalant is the source of this behavior. The intercalated graphene exhibits a significantly increased work function that can be varied between 4.8 eV and 5.2 eV by the intercalation potential. Transparent conducting electrodes produced by these graphene flakes exhibit a threefold improvement in performance and the doping effect was found to be stable for more than a year. These findings open up a new route for the scalable production of graphene with adjustable properties for future applications.