Patterned structures of graphene and graphitic carbon and methods for their manufacture

1. A method, comprising:

providing a three-dimensionally patterned carbonaceous body;

coating the body with a catalytic metal whereby is formed a coating having an inner surface proximal the body and an outer surface distal the body; and

annealing the coated body to form a graphene or graphitic layer on the outer surface of the catalytic metal coating.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the providing step comprises patterning a precursor body and pyrolyzing the patterned precursor body.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the precursor body comprises a photoresist or photopatternable material and the patterning step is performed lithographically.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the patterning step is performed by interference lithography so as to create an interconnected three-dimensional pattern in the photoresist.

5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the patterning step is performed by direct laser writing.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising etching away at least a portion of the catalytic metal coating.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the catalytic metal comprises at least one of copper, nickel, and ruthenium.

8. A method for forming a three-dimensional graphene or graphitic structure, comprising:

three-dimensionally patterning a source of sacrificial carbon to correspond to a desired shape of the graphene or graphitic structure; and

diffusing carbon from the source through a coating of catalytic metal deposited on a surface of the source.