Laterally extended atomically precise graphene nanoribbons with improved electrical conductivity for efficient gas
Mohammad Mehdi Pour1, Andrey Lashkov2, Adrian Radocea3,4
1Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, USA.
Nature Communications
|October 12, 2017
Summary
Laterally extending atomically precise graphene nanoribbons enhances their electrical conductivity. This improvement boosts the performance of graphene nanoribbon-based gas sensors for detecting alcohols.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) show potential for electronics but have low conductivity.
- Existing GNR devices struggle with low currents and mobilities, limiting their practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the electrical conductivity of GNRs through lateral extension.
- To investigate the impact of lateral extension on GNR electronic properties and device performance.
- To develop improved GNR-based sensors for chemical detection.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of laterally extended chevron graphene nanoribbons in solution.
- Characterization of the electronic bandgap and conductivity of the new GNRs.
- Fabrication and testing of thin-film gas sensors and an electronic nose system using the GNRs.
Main Results:
- Lateral extension decreased the electronic bandgap of GNRs.
- Nanofilm conductivity significantly improved compared to conventional GNRs.
- GNR-based gas sensors demonstrated enhanced responsivity to low molecular weight alcohols.
- Reliable analyte recognition was achieved, outperforming graphene and reduced graphene oxide sensors.
Conclusions:
- Lateral extension is an effective strategy for designing high-conductivity GNRs.
- Atomically precise GNRs with improved properties can be synthesized and processed for advanced electronic devices.
- The developed GNRs offer a promising platform for sensitive and selective chemical sensing applications.
