Inductive heating-driven single crystal metal synthesis: A novel approach for 2D material fabrication

• A novel electromagnetic induction heating (IH) method creates large-area single-crystal Cu(111). • IH method is simpler than roll-to-roll (R2R), eliminating the need for strict sealing. • Precise thermal gradient control reduces synthesis time, making it ideal for research and industrial use. • Superior graphene quality highlights the importance of substrate quality in 2D material performance. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is widely employed for synthesizing high-quality 2D materials, but the polycrystalline nature of graphene films and the presence of grain boundaries often limit their performance. To overcome these challenges, we present a novel approach that utilizes inductive heating to generate large-area single-crystal Cu(111) substrates, enhancing graphene growth. By applying a controlled thermal gradient to commercial polycrystalline copper foil, we induce the nucleation and growth of a single grain, a process facilitated by the controlled movement of induction coils. This method contrasts with traditional roll-to-roll (R2R) techniques, which require strict sealing, and enables the expansion of the single-crystal region over large areas. The resulting single-crystal substrates support the growth of high-quality graphene with highly aligned, defect-free domains, as confirmed by optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This scalable and cost-effective technique offers a promising route for producing high-performance 2D materials with minimal defects, making it suitable for both research and industrial applications.