Atomically precise graphene-based nano architectures for gas sensing

The dramatic effect of air contaminants on global health and Earth’s climate change require a reliable, real-time monitoring of pollutants for their effective reduction.

The limitation of existing sensing technologies for this need in terms of production cost, fabrication processes, miniaturization, sensitivity and selectivity push the search for new materials and sensing concepts to address the challenge of ultra-sensitive gas sensors.

In this framework, graphene appears as the most promising candidates due to its large surface-to-volume ratio, low electronic noise, miniaturization capability and cost-effectiveness.

However, its semimetallic nature limits its application in the most sensitive, field-effect transistor (FET) architecture, and its inertness severely limits its selectivity.

This project aims at overcoming these limitations by developing FET sensors using a new class of graphene-based nanomaterials where sensing units with atomically precise, analyte-specific functional groups are covalently linked to the transductor channels constituted by a semiconducting graphene backbone.

The multidisciplinary strategy proposed in this project covers the whole value chain from the synthesis of the nanomaterial to the characterization of the sensing devices, by merging synthetic chemistry, advanced nanomaterials characterization and device fabrication.

The proof-of-concept of such devices will pave the way towards ultimate ""4S"" sensor performances (selectivity, sensitivity, speed and stability), thus having a profound impact on the NEXT Generation EU challenges of “Environmental protection” and “Pollution prevention and control”.