Quantification of thin graphene sheets contained in spherical aggregates of single-walled carbon nanohorns

Spherical aggregates of single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) produced by CO2 laser ablation of graphite contain thin graphene sheets (TGSs), and their quantities depend on formation conditions. To adjust laser ablation condition to increase TGS quantities, TGS quantification in products is necessary; however, its method has not been established. We have found that high resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HRTGA) showed SWNHs and TGSs combusting at 554 and 581 °C, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy observations of HRTGA-residues obtained by stopping HRTGA on the way supported these assignments. Thus TGS was able to be quantified by analyzing derivative curves of weight vs. temperature curves.