TY - CONF A1 - Madbouly, Loay Akmal T1 - Chemical analysis of commercial functionalized graphene along the production process N2 - Graphene has been commercialized for over a decade. For many applications like flexible electronics, coating of different materials like paper or for textiles, it used in the form of suspensions or inks. Functionalization enables tailoring the properties of graphene, such as the sheet resistance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the chemical composition of graphene flakes, functionalized and otherwise. In this study, we investigate the following set of commercial materials: fluorine-functionalized graphene (F-graphene) and nitrogen-functionalized graphene (N-graphene) as well as unfunctionalized graphene (G-graphene, as the starting material) in the forms of powders, suspensions, and inks, the latter as the final commercial product. Raman spectroscopy and XPS are complementary techniques. Our results obtained from Raman spectroscopy confirmed the existence of graphene structures in all samples investigated and provided a comparative insight on the structural defects between samples. XPS was used to investigate the chemical states of elements in graphene, such as sp2 and sp3 hybridization states of carbon, as well as the chemical effect of functionalization on graphene. High resolution XPS analysis was performed for C 1s, F 1s and N 1s core-levels for all the graphene samples. The XPS results showed the elemental composition and the impurities of each sample. All powders showed less presence of carboxyl groups, compared to their respective suspensions and inks. F-functionalized suspension and inks showed a significant decrease in the at-% of fluorine relative to the powder. These valuable insights, particularly when correlated, allowed the tracking of the structural and chemical changes of graphene along its production process. T2 - 3rd FUB Nano Colloquium CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 15.07.2025 KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Graphene-related 2D materials (GR2M) KW - Raman Spectroscopy KW - XPS KW - Inks PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64116 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Madbouly, Loay Akmal A1 - Hodoroaba, Vasile-Dan A1 - Radnik, Jörg T1 - Raman Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Commercial Functionalized Graphene N2 - Graphene has found widespread commercial use, particularly in flexible electronics and coatings for substrates such as paper and textiles, in the form of suspensions and inks (Zhang et al., 2017). Functionalization of graphene allows fine-tuning of properties like electrical conductivity. Structural and chemical features of graphene materials are typically analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). While Raman spectroscopy plays a critical role in identifying the presence of graphene and characterizing its structural defects (Pollard et al., 2017), XPS examines the chemistry of graphene. This study investigates three types of graphene materials — graphene (unfunctionalized, G-graphene), fluorine-functionalized graphene (F-graphene), and nitrogen-functionalized graphene (N-graphene) — across three physical forms: powders, suspensions, and embedded in inks. Functionalization was performed via plasma treatment of G-graphene with fluorine or ammonia gases. Suspensions were obtained by dispersing powders in distilled water, while inks were formulated using diacetone alcohol, carbon black, and graphene. Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the graphitic nature of all materials and revealed differences in defect density across different forms. The characteristic D, G, and D’ bands varied in relative intensity, offering insight into structural integrity and functionalization effects. XPS measurements examined core-level spectra (C 1s, F 1s, N 1s), revealing chemical bonding environments and hybridization states, including the sp² and sp³ states. A notable decline in fluorine content in F-graphene suspensions and inks, relative to powders, was observed. Existence of organic fluorine and total absence of metallic fluorine were observed. Raman spectroscopy and XPS data provided a correlated view of structural and chemical evolution through the graphene production chain. T2 - Joint Regulatory Risk Assessors Summit – Advancing Safety & Sustainability Assessments of Advanced Materials CY - Paris, France DA - 19.06.2025 KW - Graphene-related 2D materials (GR2M) KW - Inks KW - Raman Spectroscopy KW - XPS KW - Functionalized graphene PY - 2025 UR - https://macrame-project.eu/macrame-meetings-workshops/jointrras/#Agenda AN - OPUS4-63661 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Madbouly, Loay Akmal T1 - Chemical analysis of commercial functionalized graphene along the production process N2 - Graphene has found widespread commercial use, particularly in flexible electronics and coatings for substrates such as paper and textiles, in the form of suspensions and inks (Zhang et al., 2017). Functionalization of graphene allows fine-tuning of properties like electrical conductivity. Structural and chemical features of graphene materials are typically analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). While Raman spectroscopy plays a critical role in identifying the presence of graphene and characterizing its structural defects (Pollard et al., 2017), XPS examines the chemistry of graphene. This study investigates three types of graphene materials — graphene (unfunctionalized, G-graphene), fluorine-functionalized graphene (F-graphene), and nitrogen-functionalized graphene (N-graphene) — across three physical forms: powders, suspensions, and embedded in inks. Functionalization was performed via plasma treatment of G-graphene with fluorine or ammonia gases. Suspensions were obtained by dispersing powders in distilled water, while inks were formulated using diacetone alcohol, carbon black, and graphene. Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the graphitic nature of all materials and revealed differences in defect density across different forms. The characteristic D, G, and D’ bands varied in relative intensity, offering insight into structural integrity and functionalization effects. XPS measurements examined core-level spectra (C 1s, F 1s, N 1s), revealing chemical bonding environments and hybridization states, including the sp² and sp³ states. A notable decline in fluorine content in F-graphene suspensions and inks, relative to powders, was observed. Existence of organic fluorine and total absence of metallic fluorine were observed. Raman spectroscopy and XPS data provided a correlated view of structural and chemical evolution through the graphene production chain (Figure 1). T2 - RamanFest 2025 CY - Frankfurt, Germany DA - 02.07.2025 KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Graphene-related 2D materials (GR2M) KW - Raman Spectroscopy KW - XPS KW - Inks PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64114 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Radnik, Jörg T1 - Interlaboratory comparisons for validated measurements of the surface chemistry of nanomaterials N2 - Interlaboratory comparisons are essential tools for validating new protocols or methods. The properties of advanced materials are largely determined by surface chemistry. Using a VAMAS interlaboratory comparison on the surface functionalization of GR2DM, it is explained what insights can be gained from such a comparison.” T2 - Nanomesure France Journee technique CY - Paris, France DA - 04.11.2025 KW - VAMAS KW - Functionalized graphene KW - X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-65002 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Radnik, Jörg T1 - In depth analysis of commercial functionalized graphene nanoplateles towards structure-activity relationships N2 - The analysis of commercial graphene related products from the raw material to inks is discussed and the input to structure-activity relationships. Different approaches to obtain structure-activity relationships like operando or using data mining are presented. Challenges and recommendation to obtain structure-activity relationships are given. T2 - Joint Regulator Risk Summit: Advancing Safety & Sustainability Assessments of Advanced Materials CY - Paris, France DA - 19.06.2025 KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Structure activity relationsships KW - Commercialisation PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63565 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Madbouly, Loay Akmal T1 - Chemical Analysis of Functionalized Graphene along the Production Chain N2 - Graphene has been commercialized for over a decade. It is usually used in the form of suspensions or inks. In this study, we analyze the starting material for commercial functionalized graphene (FG) solutions and inks as well as their starting material (FG powders) using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Graphene was functionalized with fluorine, oxygen, ammonia, and carboxylic acid. Our results suggest a significant effect of water and commercial resins on the presence as well as the morphological behavior of graphene and associated functionalized group. For example, XPS analysis shows some significant differences between the solutions and the starting materials (powders). These changes can be explained by the location of the functionalization at the outer most surface as indicated by Chemello et al. T2 - MaterialsWeek 2024 CY - Limassol, Cyprus DA - 17.06.2024 KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Commercial graphene KW - Graphene inks PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60448 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Radnik, Jörg T1 - Standardisation needs for regulatory testing of graphene and related 2D materials. phy-chem properties N2 - The main properties and main methods which are needed for the physico-chemical characterisation of graphene related 2D materials are discussed. As expample for standardization, protocols for the measurement of the chemical composition with XPS are discussed. The results of an interlaboratory comparisons led to new recommendations for the reliable measurments protocols. T2 - Materials Week 2024 CY - Limassol, Cyprus DA - 17.06.2024 KW - Standardisation KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Interlaboratory comparison KW - Endpoints PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60537 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Madbouly, Loay Akmal T1 - Chemical Analysis of Functionalized Graphene along the Production Chain N2 - Graphene has been commercialized for over a decade. It is usually used in the form of suspensions or inks. In this study, we analyze the starting material for commercial functionalized graphene (FG) solutions and inks as well as their starting material (FG powders) using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Graphene was functionalized with fluorine, oxygen, ammonia, and carboxylic acid. Our results suggest a significant effect of water and commercial resins on the presence as well as the morphological behavior of graphene and associated functionalized group. For example, XPS analysis shows some significant differences between the solutions and the starting materials (powders). These changes can be explained by the location of the functionalization at the outer most surface as indicated by Chemello et al. T2 - European Conference on Applications of Surface and Interface Analysis (ECASIA 2024) CY - Gothenburg, Sweden DA - 09.06.2024 KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Commercial graphene KW - Graphene inks PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60446 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Radnik, Jörg T1 - Reliable measurements of the chemical composition of graphene-related 2D materials with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy N2 - Graphene and related 2D materials (GR2Ms) are now entering an exciting phase of commercialization and use in products. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) can be obtained in rather large quantities, but the properties of these industrially produced powders can vary depending on the production method, and even from batch to batch. Understanding and optimizing the surface chemistry of GNPs, modified through chemical functionalization processes is crucial, because it affects their dispersibility in solvents and matrices for the purpose of embedding them into real-world products. Therefore, reliable and repeatable measurements of the surface chemistry of functionalized GNPs are an important issue for suppliers as well as users of these materials. To address these concerns, international documentary ISO standards for measurement methodologies are under development which incorporate protocols that are becoming widely accepted in the community. Recently, it was shown that pelletizing led to lower average O/C atomic ratios than those measured for powders [1]. In another study, the influence of the morphology on the degree of functionalization was shown [2]. As expected, a higher degree of functionalization was detected for smaller GNPs. The functionalization was located at the outermost surfaces of the GNPs by comparing experiments using photoelectron with soft (Al Kα, 1.486 keV) and hard X-rays (Cr Kα, 5.405 keV). Therefore, it is important for those using GNPs to understand both the physical and chemical properties of these particles, when considering their use in different applications. The next step for reliable characterization protocols was the realization of an interlaboratory comparison under the auspices of VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards) with 22 participating laboratories from all over the world. Samples of oxygen-, nitrogen-, and fluorine- functionalized GNPs were provided to the participants along with a measurement protocol. Participants were asked to prepare the samples as powders on a tape, powders in a sample holder recess, or as pellets. The lower measured O/C ratio reported for pelletized samples [1] was confirmed. The lowest scattering of the results was observed for the powders measured in the recess (Fig. 1). Furthermore, an influence of the humidity on the results was observed. T2 - ECASIA 2024 CY - Gothenburg, Sweden DA - 09.06.2024 KW - Interlaboratory Comparison KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Sample preparation PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60533 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Radnik, Jörg T1 - Reliable Chemical Characterization Protocols for Industrial Graphene-Related Materials N2 - Since its isolation, graphene has received growing attention from academia and industry due to its unique properties. Promising opportunities for applications are discussed in different field like electronics and optoelectronics, detection, and sensing devices, biosystems or chemical and environmental corrosion inhibition. Here, functionalization with elements like oxygen, nitrogen or fluorine can broaden the application, for example in composite materials. However, lack of generally accepted operation procedures hinders the commercialization, the so-called “what is my material” barrier. Therefore, first efforts were done to develop common, reliable, and reproducible ways to characterize the morphological and chemical properties of the industrially produced material. In this contribution, our efforts in the development of reliable chemical characterizations protocols for functionalized graphene are presented. An ISO standard for the chemical characterization of graphene-related (GRM) is under development with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) having a prominent role. With its information depth of around 10 nm, which is the similar length scale as the thickness of particles of 2D materials consisting of a few monolayers, XPS seems to be highly suitable for the quantitative analysis of (functionalized) GRM. Thereby, different sample preparation methods like pressing the powders onto adhesive tapes, into recesses, or into solid pellets result in inconsistencies in the quantification. Furthermore, different morphologies like stacks of graphene layers (left figure) or irregular particles (right figure) lead to different analysis results for the chemical composition. For the validation of the quantification with XPS and the further development of standards an international interlaboratory comparison was initiated under the head of the “Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards” (VAMAS). First results are reported showing the suitability of the protocols. Finally, the XPS results are compared with the elemental composition results obtained after quantification with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) as a fast analytical method which is usually combined with electron microscopy. T2 - nanoSAFE 2023 CY - Grenoble, France DA - 05.06.2023 KW - X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Interlaboratory comparison KW - VAMAS PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-57652 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -