Synthesis and Characterization of Mn₃O₄-Graphene Nanocomposite thin Film by an ex situ Approach

Synthesis and Characterization of Mn₃O₄-Graphene Nanocomposite thin Film by an ex situ Approach

In this study, we report a new approach for $Mn_3O_4$-graphene nanocomposite by ex situ method. This nanocomposite shows two-dimensional aggregation of nanoparticle, and doping effect by decorated manganese oxide ($Mn_3O_4$), as well. The graphene film was made through micromechanical cleavage of graphite on the $SiO_2/Si$ wafer. Manganese oxide ($Mn_3O_4$) nanoparticle with uniform cubic shape and size (about $5.47{\pm}0.61$ nm sized) was synthesized through the thermal decomposition of manganese(II) acetate, in the presence of oleic acid and oleylamine. The nanocomposite was obtained by self-assembly of nanoparticles on graphene film, using hydrophobic interaction. After heat treatment, the decorated nanoparticles have island structure, with one-layer thickness by two-dimensional aggregations of particles, to minimize the surface potential of each particle. The doping effect of $Mn_3O_4$ nanoparticle was investigated with Raman spectra. Given the upshift in positions of G and 2D in raman peaks, we suggest that $Mn_3O_4$ nanoparticles induce p-doping of graphene film.