Plasma is an ionized gas, often referred to as the fourth state of matter. Plasmas, which are created artificially by applying energy to a gas, are found in the fluorescent tubes that illuminate kitchens. However, they boast many other possible applications, such as the production of graphene.
The Plasma Innovation Laboratory (LIPs) at the University of Córdoba has already made progress in using plasma to produce graphene, the revolutionary material that earned its discoverers the Nobel Prize. Recently, a new technological design boosted graphene production by over 22%. Continuing along this line of research, they are now proposing two methods for applying graphene—also highly anticorrosive—to metal surfaces using microwave plasmas at atmospheric pressure, with the aim of not altering the properties of the metals.
"The first method we developed allows for direct transfer. In other words, we expose a surface to the plasma used to synthesize graphene, and it is deposited directly onto the surface. It's the fastest way to do it," explained the lead researcher on the project, Francisco Javier Morales. The second method, continue researcher Andrés Raya, "is a three-step process that involves synthesizing graphene from the plasma, dispersing the graphene in an organic solvent, and then applying that mixture as if it were paint." This three-step approach is slower, but it's more versatile and makes it possible to experiment with different parameters.
Thus, while the first method is faster, the second achieves better results in terms of surface coverage, as it penetrates the material's cracks and rough areas more effectively. And, while the first technique requires industrial equipment, the second could be accessible to everyday users, who would be provided with the dispersion and then apply it using an airbrush.
These approaches "could be used to protect the electrodes in fuel cells, which are exposed to highly oxidizing environments, such as oxygen or water, which can damage their electrodes and membranes. With this technique, the current would continue to flow, but oxidation would be prevented," explained researcher José Muñoz.
The challenge with both techniques is that neither provided strong enough adhesion between the graphene layer and the metal surface. "They didn't adhere well enough, so we need to improve that aspect," said researcher Rocío Rincón.
Trial and error: the natural progression of science
Even without this adhesion, the team points out that simply obtaining these graphene layers on metals, and understanding their effect on the metal surface, as well as fine-tuning both methods, represents a highly valuable advance. "The tests that didn't work taught us a lot about the material and how to deposit it. There are a number of negative results that are extremely valuable and have helped us refine the method," stated Rocío Rincón.
As this new line of research takes shape, the next steps are clear: to increase the adhesion of graphene to metal. The Plasma Innovation Laboratory is already working on this improvement for both the direct application and three-step methods.
Reference:
Morales-Calero, Francisco Javier & Cobos-Luque, A. & Guillén-Barneto, C.F. & Raya, A.M. & Muñoz, José & Rincón, Rocío & Alcusón, Jorge & Mendoza-González, N.Y. & Calzada, M.D.. (2026). Towards atmospheric pressure plasma-assisted graphene transfer onto industrially relevant metallic surfaces. Surfaces and Interfaces 87 108904. 10.1016/j.surfin.2026.108904.
