Introducing graphene into copper matrix can achieve high electrical conductivity. In this work, graphene was grown in situ on copper foil using solid carbon source (here PMMA), and the graphene/copper composite was also prepared. The observed distinct current peaks at graphene region indicates an ultrahigh electrical conductivity two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure copper and free-standing graphene. Due to the differences in microstructures, graphene conductivity variations also occur in the same sample, which is attributed to the poor uniformity of in situ grown graphene. Meanwhile, high modulus of graphene parallel to layered structure is conducive to achieving tensile properties higher than that of pure copper. These results provide a simple method for preparing composites with high electrical conductivity. • In situ growth of graphene from PMMA simplifies graphene/copper composite preparation. • Ultrahigh electrical conductivity exceeds that of pure copper and freestanding graphene by over 100 times. • Graphene conductivity varies within the same sample due to nonuniform growth. • Tensile strength is enhanced by the introduction of graphene.
Deng et al. (Sun,) studied this question.