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CONTROLLED FUNCTIONALIZATION AND ASSEMBLY OF GRAPHENE NANOSTRUCTURES FOR SENSING AND ENERGY STORAGE

Nagelli, Enoch A
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1402278821

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Chemical Engineering.
The superior electron carrier mobility, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties of graphene have led to the rapid development of graphene-based applications for high speed electronics, chemical and biological sensing, optoelectronics, energy storage and conversion. However, the incorporation of graphene into these applications requires the precise connection of individual sheets at the molecular level with other materials where chemical interaction is significant. In this regard, the chemical functionalization of graphene has played a critical role in facilitating the integration of graphene into useful “building-blocks” or functional components in these applications. The functionalization of graphene can alter its electronic band structure, doping, and affinity for other organic, inorganic, and biological materials. The site specific functionalization of graphene is essential to modify the region-specific surface properties to gain specific characteristics required for particular applications and to covalently/non-covalently link graphene sheets of different properties together into various graphene-based devices. Controlled chemical modification could be a very useful approach to various multifunctional systems critical to applications such as nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, nanosensors, and nanoenergy systems. We describe a simple and effective modification method for functionalizing the two opposite surfaces of individual graphene sheets with different nanoparticles in either a patterned or non-patterned fashion. The asymmetric and patterned functionalization of graphene sheets with each of their two opposite surfaces attached by ZnO and Au NPs can serve as a platform upon which to build high performance electronics and photonic devices. In addition, we develop a novel approach for multicomponent symmetrical patterning metal/metal oxide nanoparticles on graphene involving region-speci¿c plasma treatment, followed by region-selective substrate-enhanced electro-less deposition of Au nanoparticles and solution alkalization formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. We demonstrated that metal and metal nanoparticle functionalized graphene can enhance the sensing capability and selectivity for vapors. A miniaturized gas sensor array based on graphene exhibiting great room-temperature sensing properties for various selective vapors and the potential for cost-effective graphene-based sensors was developed. These functionalization methods for spatial micro- and nanopatterning of graphene chemistry in both covalent and noncovalent functionalization schemes can be crucial for further the enhancement of graphene-based devices. Moreover, there is a pressing need to integrate graphene sheets into multidimensional and multifunctional systems with spatially well-defined configurations. The controlled assembly of graphene films still remains to be a challenge. Self-assembly has been recognized as an effective strategy for the bottom–up synthesis of 3D macrostructures using graphene sheets as building blocks. Here we report a novel, simplistic, and scalable methodology utilizing the Langmuir-Schaefer technique for the controlled transfer and assembly of graphene onto any substrate for hierarchical organization into large-scale multi-dimensional functional materials for diverse applications. This novel method of graphene assembly can lead to research and development of next generation of high performance materials and structures by providing a scientific rationale that will enable bold innovative concepts for engineered hybrid structures.
Liming Dai (Advisor)
Chung-Chiun Liu (Committee Member)
Harihara Baskaran (Committee Member)
Xiong Yu (Committee Member)
255 p.
Chemical Engineering; Chemistry; Energy; Materials Science; Nanoscience; Nanotechnology
Graphene Carbon Nanomaterials Nanoscience Nanotechnology Nanotubes Energy Sensors Gas Sensing Supercapacitors Energy Storage Functionalization Assemby

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nagelli, E. A. (2014). CONTROLLED FUNCTIONALIZATION AND ASSEMBLY OF GRAPHENE NANOSTRUCTURES FOR SENSING AND ENERGY STORAGE [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1402278821

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nagelli, Enoch. CONTROLLED FUNCTIONALIZATION AND ASSEMBLY OF GRAPHENE NANOSTRUCTURES FOR SENSING AND ENERGY STORAGE . 2014. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1402278821.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nagelli, Enoch. "CONTROLLED FUNCTIONALIZATION AND ASSEMBLY OF GRAPHENE NANOSTRUCTURES FOR SENSING AND ENERGY STORAGE ." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1402278821

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1402278821
879
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.