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Published on: October 9, 2012
Self-assembled 1-octadecanethiol monolayers on graphene for mercury detection.
Tao Zhang1, Zengguang Cheng, Yibing Wang
1National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, 11 Beiyitiao Street, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China.
Nano Letters
|October 12, 2010
Summary
Graphene surfaces were modified with 1-octadecanethiol, creating ordered monolayers for sensor development. These functionalized graphene field-effect transistors (Gra-FETs) successfully detected mercury(II) at 10 ppm levels.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Graphene's unique electronic properties make it promising for sensor applications.
- Surface modification is crucial for tailoring graphene's functionality.
- Self-assembled monolayers offer precise control over surface properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface modification of graphene using 1-octadecanethiol.
- To explore the application of modified graphene as a sensor for heavy metals.
- To characterize the self-assembled structure on graphene surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of single-layer graphene with 1-octadecanethiol.
- Self-assembly of alkanethiol monolayers on graphene/SiO2 substrates.
- Atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for structural analysis.
- Fabrication and testing of functionalized graphene field-effect transistors (Gra-FETs).
Main Results:
- Highly ordered 1-octadecanethiol monolayers formed on graphene, irrespective of substrate roughness.
- STM imaging revealed detailed configuration of the self-assembled structure.
- Functionalized Gra-FETs demonstrated successful detection of mercury(II) (Hg2+) at 10 ppm.
Conclusions:
- 1-octadecanethiol effectively modifies graphene surfaces, forming ordered structures.
- Graphene field-effect transistors functionalized with 1-octadecanethiol show potential as sensitive heavy metal sensors.
- This approach offers a viable pathway for developing advanced chemical sensors based on graphene.
