Modifications of Graphene using Highly Energetic Heavy Ions (PHASE II)

Highly energetic heavy ions have become an important tool for modifying various nanomaterials for a wide range of applications in the last two decades. This is mainly due to t...the high-energy deposition in a small volume along the ion track. Based on the material type and ion beam parameters, this type of ions can induce different modifications not only in the structure but also in the mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of the irradiated materials. Among the investigated materials, graphene has attracted extensive worldwide interest for its extraordinary thermal, mechanical, electrical and other properties. It has recently attracted great attention for variety of novel applications, such as nanoelectronics, gas detectors, solar cells, and DNA sequencing. Engineering graphene by ion irradiation is considered very promising, as it can easily tailor the localized structure and properties of graphene in a controllable way achieving new functionalities. Furthermore, the high energy deposition of the utilized ions can tune various properties of the material without destroying it, as occurs using chemical-based methods. In addition, it is of high importance to study the materials degradation induced by radiation. Therefore, due to the fact of existence highly energetic in space environment, study of ion-induced modifications in graphene is essential for all possible space applications.