The theoretical simplicity of sp2 carbons, owing to their having a single atomic type per unit cell, makes these materials excellent candidates in quantum chemical descriptions of vibrational and electronic energy levels. Theoretical discoveries, associated with sp2 carbons, such as the Kohn anomaly, electron-phonon interactions, and other exciton-related effects, may be transferred to other potential 2D materials. The information derived from the unique Raman bands from a single layer of carbon atoms also helps in understanding the new physics associated with this material, as well as other two-dimensional materials. The following chapter describes our studies of the G, D, and G′ bands of graphene and graphite, and the characteristic information provided by each material. The G-band peak located at ~1586 cm−1, common to all sp2 carbons, has been used extensively by us in the estimation of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion characteristics of the sp2 nanocarbon associated with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of functionalized graphene nanoplatelet aggregates doped with argon (A), carboxyl (B), oxygen (C), ammonia (D), fluorocarbon (E), and nitrogen (F), have also been recorded and analyzed using the Gwyddion software.

Powders and films composed of tin dioxide (SnO₂) are promising candidates for a variety of high-impact applications, and despite the material’s prevalence in such studies, it remains of high importance that commercially available materials meet the quality demands of the industries that these materials would most benefit. Imaging techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), were used in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to assess the quality of a variety of samples, such as powder and thin film on quartz with thicknesses of 41 nm, 78 nm, 97 nm, 373 nm, and 908 nm. In this study, the dependencies of the corresponding Raman, XPS, and SEM analysis results on properties of the samples, like the thickness and form (powder versus film) are determined. The outcomes achieved can be regarded as a guide for performing quality checks of such products, and as reference to evaluate commercially available samples.

Graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) are promising candidates for gas sensing applications because they have a high surface area to volume ratio, high conductivity, and a high temperature stability. The information provided in this data article will cover the surface and structural properties of pure and chemically treated GnPs, specifically with carboxyl, ammonia, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorocarbon, and argon. Molecular dynamics and adsorption calculations are provided alongside characterization data, which was performed with Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the functional groups present and effects of those groups on the structural and vibrational properties. Certain features in the observed Raman spectra are attributed to the variations in concentration of the chemically treated GnPs. XRD data show smaller crystallite sizes for chemically treated GnPs that agree with images acquired with scanning electron microscopy. A molecular dynamics simulation is also employed to gain a better understanding of the Raman and adsorption properties of pure GnPs.