Microstructures of carbon nanoscrolls characterized by polarized micro-Raman spectroscopy

Abstract Carbon nanoscrolls (CNSs) are produced by rolling up the graphite layer in graphite nanoplatelets on a nanofibrous bi-axially oriented polypropylene surface by a shear-friction mechanism. Microstructures of the CNSs are characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Results indicate that the CNSs have a long tubular and fusiform structure with a hollow core surrounded by few graphene layers. The orientation of the graphite lattice with respect to the scroll axis is accurately determined from the split of the vibrational G mode by polarized micro-Raman spectroscopy. Morphological changes produced by the rolling are also described.