Conductive tracks in graphene oxide foils induced by micro beams of MeV helium ions

Conductive tracks based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were induced by MeV energy helium ion microbeams in graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The computerized X-Y step motors movement of the GO foil in front of the fixed ion microbeam in a high vacuum produces a reduction of the functionalized oxygen groups, generating a graphene-like track with high electrical conductivity. The conductive track generated on the insulating matrix has a depth dependent on the range of ions used, maintains the electrical properties even under bending stress, and can electrically connect devices made of the same carbon-based material or different materials. Scanning electron microscopy, characteristic X-ray emission, electron conductivity measurements, Raman spectroscopy, surface wetting and roughness, X-ray diffraction, and optical spectroscopy are employed to investigate the ion beam modifications induced in the GO structure.