| Abstract Scope |
Hybrid architectures combining one- and three-dimensional carbon nanostructures hold promise for advanced energy and electronic applications. In this work, three-dimensional (3D) graphene scaffolds were synthesized by CVD, mechanically compressed via cold rolling, and coated with a 4 nm Ni catalyst layer using electron-beam evaporation. Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) were subsequently grown on the compressed graphene by PECVD in an Aixtron Black MagicTM reactor, in a 30 sccm acetylene and 200 sccm ammonia gas mixture at 100 W DC power. SEM images confirmed uniform VACNF coverage across the graphene surface, while high-resolution TEM enabled examination of internal nanofiber structure. This work in progress focuses on the nanoscale interface between VACNFs and compressed graphene, critical for interfacial bonding, electrical transport, and thermal performance. Current efforts emphasize reproducible CNF growth, PECVD process optimization, and catalyst design. Future studies will probe the CNF–graphene interface to discover the interfacial bond. |