Automating the ‘tape method’ for graphene production

Graphene is one of the most promising materials of the 21st century, but obtaining enough of it can be challenging. This is especially true for research into the electronic properties of graphene, which requires particularly pristine samples that can be difficult to produce in large quantities. These are most commonly made using the “tape method,” a variant of the technique used by the researchers who discovered how to make this one-atom-thick material over 20 years ago.

The tape method involves attaching adhesive tape to a piece of graphite, then removing it. Thin flakes of graphite adhere to the tape and can be further thinned by pressing the tape onto another surface, such as silicon, occasionally depositing just one or a few layers onto that surface in a process called exfoliation. Though this method is conceptually simple, learning to do it well involves significant trial and error.

Courtney et al. developed a machine, dubbed the “eXfoliator,” which can automate the production of graphene samples using the tape method to increase availability of high-quality samples and simplify the production process.

“The tool produces graphene at a rate comparable to what our most experienced lab members can achieve manually, and better than most beginners,” said author David Goldhaber-Gordon.

The resulting design is affordable and easy to operate, capable of creating large samples with low levels of disorder in the crystal structure. The authors included the parts list and technical drawings so anyone can build or customize their own eXfoliator.

“We hope the eXfoliator provides a useful template for 2D material labs around the world to implement their own automated exfoliation solutions suited for their purposes,” said author Elijah Courtney.

Source: “Automated tabletop exfoliation and identification of monolayer graphene flakes,” by E. D. S. Courtney, M. Pendharkar, N. J. Bittner, A. L. Sharpe, and D. Goldhaber-Gordon, Review of Scientific Instruments (2025). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0255656 .