Large area CVD graphene-based sensors/IR-photodetectors

Important results from the project

The overall goal of this project is to create a graphene device processing platform to promote future research and innovations within the applications forensic sensors and IR detectors for industrial environments.

Expected long term effects

Cost effective CVD graphene-based sensors for illicit drug detection were successfully demonstrated by sensing amphetamine salts in water or buffer solutions [RISE, Pamitus, Nationellt Forensiskt Centrum (NFC)]. The amphetamine sensors were successfully fabricated by cost-effective CVD graphene on SiO2 in wafer scale and presented at Nordic Nanolab User Meeting and IEEE NMDC2019. Graphene plasmonic structures for IR detection were also processed and characterized, but further research is needed to form the large areas necessary for the wanted response at mid-IR wavelengths.

Approach and implementation

The CVD graphene device process methods have developed to produce targeted cost-effective sensors/IR-detectors. The related process protocols, design/simulation routines and characterization setups have been established for fabricating and analysis of the graphene devices, for example, the response of the sensor with current change per analyte concertation in approximately 0.1 µA/(mg/ml) and 0.33 µA/(mg/ml) for amphetamine-sulphate/hydrochloride has been revealed. However, for utilizing these graphene devices in commercial applications, further work is required. Plasmonic IR detectors were attempted based on designed/simulated periodic nano ribbons or nanohole arrays on graphene [SenseAir, RISE, KTH]. These nano structures were characterized using various structural, electrical and optical measurements by optical microscope, AFM, SEM, IV, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy [RISE, SenseAir].