Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2024) | Viewed by 14514

Special Issue Editors

School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
Interests: two-dimensional materials; wide-gap semiconductors; photodetectors; transistors; solar cells; Li-ion batteries
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
Interests: surface acoustic wave sensors and their fabrication
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Graphene is composed of single-layer sp2-bonded carbon atoms that are densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice. It has the characteristics of high carrier mobility, ultra-high specific surface area, high optical transparency, and good conductivity and thermal conductivity. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it possible to prepare various functional nanodevices. Therefore, graphene is widely studied and applied, such as in electronics, photonics and optoelectronic circuits, energy storage and conversion, biomedicine, sensors, and other fields.

As a typical ultra-thin two-dimensional nanomaterial, graphene can show new characteristics after physical or chemical modification. For example, due to its unique ultra-thin structure, graphene can easily adjust its properties and functions through surface modification, doping, defects, and so on, so as to realize the functionalization of graphene. Functionalization not only optimizes the traditional properties of graphene but can also help to prepare graphene-based nanodevices with new functions to meet different application needs, which also shows that functionalized graphene-based nanodevices have excellent performance and good application prospects.

We invite researchers to contribute original and review articles on functional graphene-based nanodevices. Potential topics include but are not limited to the synthesis, modification, and functionalization of ultra-thin two-dimensional graphene and characterization, characterization methods, and applications of graphene-based nanodevices (including transistors, energy storage devices, sensors, photovoltaics, transparent electrodes, etc.).

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Qijin Cheng
Dr. Jian Zhou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • graphene
  • nanomaterials
  • nanodevices
  • functionalization
  • synthesis
  • characterization

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 168 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for Special Issue “Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices”
by Qijin Cheng and Jian Zhou
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050417 - 24 Feb 2024
Viewed by 465
Abstract
As a typical ultra-thin two-dimensional nanomaterial, graphene has many excellent properties, including, but not limited to, mechanical, optical, thermal and electrical properties [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

13 pages, 5630 KiB  
Article
Achieving High-Energy-Density Graphene/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Lithium-Ion Capacitors from Organic-Based Electrolytes
by Hang Yin, Jie Tang, Kun Zhang, Shiqi Lin, Guangxu Xu and Lu-Chang Qin
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010045 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 648
Abstract
Developing electrode materials with high voltage and high specific capacity has always been an important strategy for increasing the energy density of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs). However, organic-based electrolytes with lithium salts limit their potential for application in LICs to voltages below 3.8 V [...] Read more.
Developing electrode materials with high voltage and high specific capacity has always been an important strategy for increasing the energy density of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs). However, organic-based electrolytes with lithium salts limit their potential for application in LICs to voltages below 3.8 V in terms of polarization reactions. In this work, we introduce Li[N(C2F5SO2)2] (lithium Bis (pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide or LiBETI), an electrolyte with high conductivity and superior electrochemical and mechanical stability, to construct a three-electrode LIC system. After graphite anode pre-lithiation, the anode potential was stabilized in the three-electrode LIC system, and a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film formed on the anode surface as expected. Meanwhile, the LIC device using LiBETI as the electrolyte, and a self-synthesized graphene/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite as the cathode, showed a high voltage window, allowing the LIC to achieve an operating voltage of 4.5 V. As a result, the LIC device has a high energy density of up to 182 Wh kg−1 and a 2678 W kg−1 power density at 4.5 V. At a current density of 2 A g−1, the capacity retention rate is 72.7% after 10,000 cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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14 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
Selective Laser-Assisted Direct Synthesis of MoS2 for Graphene/MoS2 Schottky Junction
by Min Ji Jeon, Seok-Ki Hyeong, Hee Yoon Jang, Jihun Mun, Tae-Wook Kim, Sukang Bae and Seoung-Ki Lee
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(22), 2937; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13222937 - 13 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1184
Abstract
Implementing a heterostructure by vertically stacking two-dimensional semiconductors is necessary for responding to various requirements in the future of semiconductor technology. However, the chemical-vapor deposition method, which is an existing two-dimensional (2D) material-processing method, inevitably causes heat damage to surrounding materials essential for [...] Read more.
Implementing a heterostructure by vertically stacking two-dimensional semiconductors is necessary for responding to various requirements in the future of semiconductor technology. However, the chemical-vapor deposition method, which is an existing two-dimensional (2D) material-processing method, inevitably causes heat damage to surrounding materials essential for functionality because of its high synthesis temperature. Therefore, the heterojunction of a 2D material that directly synthesized MoS2 on graphene using a laser-based photothermal reaction at room temperature was studied. The key to the photothermal-reaction mechanism is the difference in the photothermal absorption coefficients of the materials. The device in which graphene and MoS2 were vertically stacked using a laser-based photothermal reaction demonstrated its potential application as a photodetector that responds to light and its stability against cycling. The laser-based photothermal-reaction method for 2D materials will be further applied to various fields, such as transparent display electrodes, photodetectors, and solar cells, in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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17 pages, 4162 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Exfoliation of Expanded Graphite to Graphene-Based Materials and Modification with Palladium Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Storage
by Darren Chow, Nicholas Burns, Emmanuel Boateng, Joshua van der Zalm, Stefan Kycia and Aicheng Chen
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182588 - 19 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1222
Abstract
Hydrogen is a promising green fuel carrier that can replace fossil fuels; however, its storage is still a challenge. Carbon-based materials with metal catalysts have recently been the focus of research for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their efficacy and low cost. Here, [...] Read more.
Hydrogen is a promising green fuel carrier that can replace fossil fuels; however, its storage is still a challenge. Carbon-based materials with metal catalysts have recently been the focus of research for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their efficacy and low cost. Here, we report on the exfoliation of expanded graphite (EG) through high shear mixing and probe tip sonication methods to form graphene-based nanomaterial ShEG and sEG, respectively. The exfoliation processes were optimized based on electrochemical capacitance measurements. The exfoliated EG was further functionalized with palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NP) for solid-state hydrogen storage. The prepared graphene-based nanomaterials (ShEG and sEG) and the nanocomposites (Pd-ShEG and Pd-sEG) were characterized with various traditional techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, Raman, XRD) and the advanced high-resolution pair distribution function (HRPDF) analysis. Electrochemical hydrogen uptake and release (QH) were measured, showing that the sEG decorated with Pd-NP (Pd-sEG, 31.05 mC cm−2) and ShEG with Pd-NP (Pd-ShEG, 24.54 mC cm−2) had a notable improvement over Pd-NP (9.87 mC cm−2) and the composite of Pd-EG (14.7 mC cm−2). QH showed a strong linear relationship with an effective surface area to volume ratio, indicating nanoparticle size as a determining factor for hydrogen uptake and release. This work is a promising step toward the design of the high-performance solid-state hydrogen storage devices through mechanical exfoliation of the substrate EG to control nanoparticle size and dispersion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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16 pages, 5384 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Dependent Optical Properties of Oxidized Graphenes
by Talia Tene, Paola G. Vinueza-Naranjo, Yesenia Cevallos, Fabian Arias Arias, Matteo La Pietra, Andrea Scarcello, Yolenny Cruz Salazar, Melvin Arias Polanco, Salvatore Straface, Cristian Vacacela Gomez, Lorenzo S. Caputi and Stefano Bellucci
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2263; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152263 - 07 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 845
Abstract
In this study, we investigate how changing important synthesis-related parameters can affect and control the optical characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). These parameters include drying time and reduction time at two different temperatures. We obtain an understanding of [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate how changing important synthesis-related parameters can affect and control the optical characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). These parameters include drying time and reduction time at two different temperatures. We obtain an understanding of their impact on optical transitions, optical bandgap, absorption coefficient, and absorbance spectrum width by analyzing these factors. Accordingly, GO has an optical bandgap of about 4 eV, which is decreased by the reduction process to 1.9 eV. Both GO and rGO display greater absorption in the visible spectrum, which improves photon capture and boosts efficiency in energy conversion applications. Additionally, our results show that GO and rGO have higher absorption coefficients than those previously reported for dispersions of exfoliated graphene. Defects in GO and rGO, as well as the presence of functional oxygen groups, are the main contributors to this increased absorption. Several measurements are carried out, including spectroscopic and morphological studies, to further support our findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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15 pages, 4381 KiB  
Article
High-Performance Graphene Nanowalls/Si Self-Powered Photodetectors with HfO2 as an Interfacial Layer
by Yuheng Shen, Yulin Li, Wencheng Chen, Sijie Jiang, Cheng Li and Qijin Cheng
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(10), 1681; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13101681 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 985
Abstract
Graphene/silicon (Si) heterojunction photodetectors are widely studied in detecting of optical signals from near-infrared to visible light. However, the performance of graphene/Si photodetectors is limited by defects created in the growth process and surface recombination at the interface. Herein, a remote plasma-enhanced chemical [...] Read more.
Graphene/silicon (Si) heterojunction photodetectors are widely studied in detecting of optical signals from near-infrared to visible light. However, the performance of graphene/Si photodetectors is limited by defects created in the growth process and surface recombination at the interface. Herein, a remote plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition is introduced to directly grow graphene nanowalls (GNWs) at a low power of 300 W, which can effectively improve the growth rate and reduce defects. Moreover, hafnium oxide (HfO2) with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 5 nm grown by atomic layer deposition has been employed as an interfacial layer for the GNWs/Si heterojunction photodetector. It is shown that the high-k dielectric layer of HfO2 acts as an electron-blocking and hole transport layer, which minimizes the recombination and reduces the dark current. At an optimized thickness of 3 nm HfO2, a low dark current of 3.85 × 10−10, with a responsivity of 0.19 AW−1, a specific detectivity of 1.38 × 1012 as well as an external quantum efficiency of 47.1% at zero bias, can be obtained for the fabricated GNWs/HfO2/Si photodetector. This work demonstrates a universal strategy to fabricate high-performance graphene/Si photodetectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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13 pages, 3120 KiB  
Article
Single-Electron Transport and Detection of Graphene Quantum Dots
by Xinxing Li, Jinggao Sui and Jingyue Fang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050889 - 27 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1441
Abstract
The integrated structure of graphene single-electron transistor and nanostrip electrometer was prepared using the semiconductor fabrication process. Through the electrical performance test of the large sample number, qualified devices were selected from low-yield samples, which exhibited an obvious Coulomb blockade effect. The results [...] Read more.
The integrated structure of graphene single-electron transistor and nanostrip electrometer was prepared using the semiconductor fabrication process. Through the electrical performance test of the large sample number, qualified devices were selected from low-yield samples, which exhibited an obvious Coulomb blockade effect. The results show that the device can deplete the electrons in the quantum dot structure at low temperatures, thus, accurately controlling the number of electrons captured by the quantum dot. At the same time, the nanostrip electrometer coupled with the quantum dot can be used to detect the quantum dot signal, that is, the change in the number of electrons in the quantum dot, because of its quantized conductivity characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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15 pages, 3448 KiB  
Article
Highly Stretchable Graphene Scrolls Transistors for Self-Powered Tribotronic Non-Mechanosensation Application
by Yanfang Meng
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030528 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1516
Abstract
Owing to highly desired requirements in advanced disease diagnosis, therapy, and health monitoring, noncontact mechanosensation active matrix has drawn considerable attention. To satisfy the practical demands of high energy efficiency, in this report, combining the advantage of multiparameter monitoring, high sensitivity, and high [...] Read more.
Owing to highly desired requirements in advanced disease diagnosis, therapy, and health monitoring, noncontact mechanosensation active matrix has drawn considerable attention. To satisfy the practical demands of high energy efficiency, in this report, combining the advantage of multiparameter monitoring, high sensitivity, and high resolution of active matrix field-effect transistor (FET) with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), we successfully developed the tribotronic mechanosensation active matrix based on tribotronic ion gel graphene scrolls field-effect transistors (GSFET). The tribopotential produced by TENG served as a gate voltage to modulate carrier transport along the semiconductor channel and realized self-powered ability with considerable decreased energy consumption. To achieve high spatial utilization and more pronounced responsivity of the dielectric of this transistor, ion gel was used to act as a triboelectric layer to conduct friction and contact electrification with external materials directly to produce triboelectric charges to power GFET. This tribopotential-driving device has excellent tactile sensing properties with high sensitivity (1.125 mm−1), rapid response time (~16 ms), and a durability operation of thousands of cycles. Furthermore, the device was transparent and flexible with the capability of spatially mapping touch stimuli and monitoring real-time temperature. Due to all these unique characteristics, this novel noncontact mechanosensation GSFET active matrix provided a new method for self-powered E-skin with promising potential for self-powered wearable devices and intelligent robots. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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12 pages, 4478 KiB  
Article
Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Paraquat in Environmental Water Samples Using a Vertically Ordered Mesoporous Silica Film and a Nanocarbon Composite
by Weiran Zheng, Ruobing Su, Guoguang Yu, Lin Liu and Fei Yan
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203632 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 1621
Abstract
Herein, we demonstrate a sensitive and rapid electrochemical method for the detection of paraquat (PQ) using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with vertically ordered mesoporous silica films (VMSF) and a nanocarbon composite. The three-dimensional graphene-carbon nanotube (3DG-CNT) nanocarbon composite has a 3D [...] Read more.
Herein, we demonstrate a sensitive and rapid electrochemical method for the detection of paraquat (PQ) using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with vertically ordered mesoporous silica films (VMSF) and a nanocarbon composite. The three-dimensional graphene-carbon nanotube (3DG-CNT) nanocarbon composite has a 3D network structure, a large electroactive area and oxygen-containing groups, promoting electron transfer between PQ and the underlying electrode and providing a suitable microenvironment for the stable growth of VMSF. This VMSF/3DG-CNT nanocomposite film could be prepared on the GCE’s surface by a two-step electrochemical method with good controllability and convenience. Owing to the synergistic effect of the electrocatalytic ability of 3DG-CNT and the electrostatically enriched capacity of VMSF, the proposed VMSF/3DG-CNT/GCE has superior analytical sensitivity compared with the bare GCE. Furthermore, VMSF has excellent anti-fouling ability that makes the fabricated sensor exhibit satisfactory performance for direct analysis of PQ in environmental water samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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9 pages, 2383 KiB  
Article
A Novel Fabrication of Single Electron Transistor from Patterned Gold Nanoparticle Array Template-Prepared by Polystyrene Nanospheres
by Jingyue Fang, Xinxing Li, Wenke Xie and Kehui Sun
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(18), 3102; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12183102 - 07 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1801
Abstract
In this paper, polystyrene microspheres were firstly prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization, and the uniform monolayer of polystyrene microspheres was prepared on the substrate by the dipping method. Then, polystyrene monolayer film was used as a mask and a low dimensional array structure [...] Read more.
In this paper, polystyrene microspheres were firstly prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization, and the uniform monolayer of polystyrene microspheres was prepared on the substrate by the dipping method. Then, polystyrene monolayer film was used as a mask and a low dimensional array structure of gold was prepared by bottom-up self-assembly process. After that, the method of solution etching and annealing was used, and the gold nanoparticle array was post-processed. As a result, gold nanoparticles were recrystallized, with an average diameter of about 50 nm. Subsequently, the semiconductor process was adopted, with focused ion beams induced deposition and electron beam evaporation, and single electron transistors were fabricated, based on self-assembled gold nanoparticles. Finally, the devices were fixed in a liquid helium cryostat and Coulomb blockade was observed at 320 mK. It is a novel fabrication of a single electron transistor based on gold nanoparticle array template and prepared with polystyrene nanospheres. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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9 pages, 3867 KiB  
Article
A Novel Crossbeam Structure with Graphene Sensing Element for N/MEMS Mechanical Sensors
by Junqiang Wang, Zehua Zhu, Yue Qi and Mengwei Li
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(12), 2101; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12122101 - 18 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1642
Abstract
A graphene membrane acts as a highly sensitive element in a nano/micro–electro–mechanical system (N/MEMS) due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Here, a novel crossbeam structure with a graphene varistor protected by Si3N4 is presented for N/MEMS mechanical sensors. [...] Read more.
A graphene membrane acts as a highly sensitive element in a nano/micro–electro–mechanical system (N/MEMS) due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Here, a novel crossbeam structure with a graphene varistor protected by Si3N4 is presented for N/MEMS mechanical sensors. It substantially overcomes the poor reliability of previous sensors with suspended graphene and exhibits excellent mechanoelectrical coupling performance, as graphene is placed on the root of the crossbeam. By performing basic mechanical electrical measurements, a preferable gauge factor of ~1.35 is obtained. The sensitivity of the graphene pressure sensor based on the crossbeam structure chip is 33.13 mV/V/MPa in a wide range of 0~20 MPa. Other static specifications, including hysteresis error, nonlinear error, and repeatability error, are 2.0119%, 3.3622%, and 4.0271%, respectively. We conclude that a crossbeam structure with a graphene sensing element can be an application for the N/MEMS mechanical sensor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Based Nanodevices)
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