Characterisation of graphene electrodes for microsystems and microfluidic devices

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Traditional photolithography for microsystems is expensive and difficult to integrate with microfluidics.
• Graphene fabrication presents a promising alternative due to its unique properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a novel graphene fabrication method using optical exposure of graphite oxide.
• To compare this graphene fabrication technique with traditional photolithography for microsystem applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of graphene patterns using modified optical disc drives.
• Characterization through fabrication, electrical measurements, microfluidic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• Graphene fabrication achieved comparable minimum feature sizes to photolithography.
• Resistivity of graphene varied with fabrication dose, showing saturation effects.
• Microfluidic characterization revealed tunable wetting properties based on fabrication dose.

Conclusions:

• Graphene fabrication via optical disc drives is a viable and cost-effective method for microsystem and microfluidic development.
• The technique offers controllable electrical and microfluidic properties.
• SEM analysis confirmed physical and chemical changes responsible for observed characteristics.