Playing With Pencils: Comparing the Quantity of Graphene Created by Different Types of Graphite

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this experiment was to determine which type of graphite is best for making graphene. Methods/Materials I used the graphite 2B, 3B, 4B, 6B, 9B, and the magic green tape when creating the graphene. The pencil leads each have a different mix ratio of graphite to clay. The harder pencils have more clay, and the softer, darker pencils have more graphite. I then shaved each graphite stick. After I had a sufficient amount of powder for each type of graphite, I put a 2-inch piece of tape on the powder and made sure the sticky side of the tape was completely covered in graphite powder. Next, I used separate pieces of tape to peel away the layers of graphite. Finally, I tested the resistance of the graphene samples using a multimeter. Results The graphene sample created with the 9B graphite had the least resistivity. The more clay in the mix ratio of the graphite, the higher the resistivity level. Conclusions/Discussion When creating graphene, we should be using the 9B graphite.

Awards (1)

• Third Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2015 Materials Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1301

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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