Graphene-based composite sensors for energy applications

Abstract

The long range objectives of this research are to develop and demonstrate the use of graphene-nanoparticle composites as a high sensitivity, rapid response electronic nose for gas sensing in energy applications. Graphene based device structures suitable for temperatures as high as 1000 °C are targeted. The scope of work includes: a) development of procedures for controllable nucleation and growth of nanoparticles on graphene surfaces, b) fabrication graphene-nanoparticle composite sensors, c) measurement of electrical properties of graphene-nanoparticle composites, and d) determination of sensor characteristics (selectivity and sensitivity). The graphene films are synthesized on 6H-SiC (0001) surfaces using a halogen based plasma etching followed by rapid thermal annealing in atmospheric pressure Ar or under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Lithography free methods are then used to produce simple sensor structures consisting of interdigitated fingers. This is followed by the nucleation of either Ag, Au, Pt, or Ir nanoparticles on the graphene surfaces using solution based techniques. Atomic force microscopy is used to characterize the particle size distribution of the nucleated nanoparticles. Electrical properties of the graphene and graphenenanoparticle composites are characterized using two point current-voltage measurements. Gas sensor response as a function of temperature is characterized for H₂ in Ar gas mixtures.