Graphene-based devices fabricated by low-cost methods on novel surfaces

Graphene is a promising material due to its superior strength, high electrical conductivity, and high thermal conductivity. The large surface area, flexibility, and piezo-resistivity of graphene make it ideal for sensing applications. The focus of this project is graphene-based devices fabricated through different low-cost and rapid manufacturing methods for specific applications. In the first part of the project, the graphene properties fabricated by laser-induced graphene on polyetherimide are studied. The main innovation in this part is using a 3D printed substrate instead of conventional commercial substrates. Also, a set of material characterizations is conducted on 3D printed and commercial samples. In the second part, an inkjet printer is used to print graphene oxide on various substrates. Different reduction methods are studied to restore the conductivity of reduced graphene oxide. Finally, a silicon-based junction field-effect transistor (JFET) with a printed reduced graphene oxide top gate is designed and fabricated to detect pH.