Synthesis of carbon nanotubes and graphene for photonics applications

This chapter provides an overview of methods used to synthesize single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and graphene. Synthesis methods of commercially available SWNTs are reviewed first, followed by common in-house methods. Historically important approaches are discussed, but the focus is primarily on chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The first part ends with some discussion on how SWNTs can be tailored to photonics applications at the synthesis stage. Primary routes for graphene synthesis are described next, in addition to a bit of background regarding the relatively recent discovery of this two-dimensional material. Exfoliation of bulk graphite into single-layer graphene is described first, followed by synthesis routes involving reduction of graphene oxide and epitaxial growth from carbides. The chapter ends with an overview of CVD synthesis of graphene on metal substrates.