University of Tokyo Uses Renishaw Confocal Raman Microscope to Develop Energy-Related Devices

The mechanical engineering department of the University of Tokyo is using a Renishaw inVia confocal Raman microscope to study graphene and other nano materials in the development of energy-related devices such as solar cells.

Within the department, the Maruyama-Chiashi Laboratory focuses its research on the synthesis and analysis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and other nano materials. Researchers study applications related to the development of energy-related devices, such as solar cells. The laboratory uses scanning Raman spectroscopy as an important tool for the investigation of the synthesized materials and their structure. 



“The Renishaw inVia is one of the most frequently used instruments in our university,” lecturer Shohei Chiashi said in a statement. “Scanning Raman imaging spectroscopy is very useful for observing the structure of CNTs and graphene. It is one of the most important tools for our research.” Chiashi noted that researchers find it possible to measure Raman images quickly and stably using inVia, and that the software is very useful for image analysis. 



Chiashi, along with Professor Maruyama and colleagues, recently published two papers where the inVia was used as one of the principle characterization tools. The first reports the Raman characterization of single-layer hexagonal graphene flakes produced from ethanol via chemical vapor deposition (1). The second uses systematic Raman mapping to evaluate single-walled carbon nanotubes of different chirality (2). 



 “inVia is used throughout the world as an essential tool for researchers investigating the unique properties of CNT and graphene,” said David Reece, marketing manager of the spectroscopy group at Renishaw. “I am glad to see our growing customer base publishing such excellent research utilizing our equipment in this exciting area.”

References

(1) X. Chen, P. Zhao, R. Xiang, S. Kim, J. H. Cha, S. Chiashi, S. Maruyama, Carbon, 94, 810-815 (2015). DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2015.07.045.

(2) T. Inoue, D. Hasegawa, S. Chiashi, S. Maruyama, J. Mater. Chem. A, 3, 15119-15123 (2015). DOI: 10.1039/C5TA02679B.