Carbon nanosheets derived from soluble pitch molecules and their applications in organic transistors

We report a synthesis method for carbon nanosheets (CNSs) using pitch prepared by reforming a commercially available naphtha cracking bottom oil, which is often used as a carbon fiber precursor. The pitch solution is spin-coated on a silicon wafer without using a catalyst support. After stabilization and carbonization, the CNSs as thin as 2 nm show an electrical conductivity of approximately 30,000 S/m. Although the CNSs do not have a well-developed graphitic structure, as observed using Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, they are conductive enough for use as electrodes in an organic thin film transistor.