Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of forming a film on a substrate. The substrate and a solid carbon source are placed into a reactor. Subsequently, both the substrate and the solid carbon source are heated. Optionally, one or more process gases may be introduced into the reactor to help drive the formation of the film. The film comprises graphene.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a graphene film is used as a protective layer for current collectors in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices. The graphene film inhibits passivation or corrosion of the underlying metals of the current collectors without adding additional weight or volume to the devices. The graphene film is highly conductive so the coated current collectors maintain conductivity as high as that of underlying metals. The protective nature of the graphene film enables less corrosion resistant, less costly and/or lighter weight metals to be utilized as current collectors. The graphene film may be formed directly on Cu or Ni current collectors using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or may be transferred to other types of current collectors after formation. The graphene film coated current collectors may be utilized in batteries, super capacitors, dye-sensitized solar cells, and fuel and electrolytic cells.