Hydrogenation is an effective method for tailoring graphene’s properties for applications such as electronics or surface engineering. Of the many methods for hydrogenating graphene, the Birch reduction process is particularly attractive because it is fast, reversible, and produces stark changes in the electronic structure.  We will first review the Birch method for hydrogenating graphene with an emphasis on the kinetics of hydrogenation and the exceptional quality of the hydrogenated graphene (HG) produced. We will then explore the stability of the HG when exposed to several sources of energy—heat, mechanical stress, and energetic electrons—and thereby discuss in detail the kinetics of dehydrogenation.  Raman spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and conductivity measurements were all used to track the extent of hydrogenation.  For instance, relatively small increases in hydrogen coverage can dramatically increase graphene’s resistivity.  We also discuss the strange fact that partially hydrogenated graphene is ferromagnetic and the non-monotonic changes in magnetic strength with hydrogenation.

Hydrogenated graphene:  Formation, stability, and applications

249th National Meeting (2015)

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