Layer-by-layer removal of graphene

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of selectively removing one or more graphene layers from a graphene material by: (1) applying a metal to a surface of the graphene material; and (2) applying a hydrogen containing solution to the surface of the graphene material that is associated with the metal. The hydrogen containing solution dissolves the metal along with one or more layers of graphene associated with the metal, thereby removing the layer(s) of graphene from the graphene material. In some embodiments, the hydrogen containing solution is an acidic solution, such as hydrochloric acid. In some embodiments, the metal is zinc. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention are utilized to selectively remove one or more layers of graphene from one or more targeted sites on the surface of a graphene material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.