Few-layer graphene growth from polystyrene as solid carbon source utilizing simple APCVD method

•A simple method to grow few layer graphene is proposed.•Polystyrene is used as a solid carbon source in APCVD.•Raman spectroscopy characterization showed uniform few layer graphene with low defects.•Thickness measurement by AFM confirms Raman spectroscopy results.

This research article presents development of an economical, simple, immune and environment friendly process to grow few-layer graphene by controlling evaporation rate of polystyrene on copper foil as catalyst and substrate utilizing atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) method. Evaporation rate of polystyrene depends on molecular structure, amount of used material and temperature. We have found controlling rate of evaporation of polystyrene by controlling the source temperature is easier than controlling the material weight. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as Raman Spectroscopy has been used for characterization of the layers. The frequency of G′ to G band ratio intensity in some samples varied between 0.8 and 1.6 corresponding to few-layer graphene. Topography characterization by atomic force microscopy confirmed Raman results.