Karim Elgammal

Graphene-based CO2 sensing and its cross-sensitivity with humidity

We present graphene-based CO2 sensing and analyze its cross-sensitivity with humidity. In order to assess the selectivity of graphene-based gas sensing to various gases, measurements are performed in argon (Ar), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and air by selectively venting the desired gas from compressed gas bottles into an evacuated vacuum chamber. The sensors provide a direct electrical readout in response to changes in high concentrations, from these bottles, of CO2, O2, nitrogen and argon, as well as changes in humidity from venting atmospheric air. From the signal response to each gas species, the relative graphene sensitivity to each gas is extracted as a relationship between the percentage-change in graphenes resistance response to changes in vacuum chamber pressure. Although there is virtually no response from O2, N2 and Ar, there is a sizeable cross-sensitivity between CO2 and humidity occurring at high CO2 concentrations. However, under atmospheric concentrations of CO2, this cross-sensitivity effect is negligible – allowing for the use of graphene-based humidity sensing in atmospheric environments. Finally, charge density difference calculations, computed using density functional theory (DFT) are presented in order to illustrate the bonding of CO2 and water molecules on graphene and the alterations of the graphene electronic structure due to the interactions with the substrate and the molecules.

Toward effective passivation of graphene to humidity sensing effects

Graphene has a number of remarkable properties which make it well suited for both transistor devices as well as for sensor devices such as humidity sensors. Previously, the humidity sensing properties of monolayer graphene on SiO2 substrates were examined - showing rapid response and recovery over a large humidity range. Further, the devices were fabricated in a CMOS compatible process which can be incorporated back end of the line (BEOL). We now present a way to selectively passivate graphene to suppress this humidity sensing effect. In this work, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate effective passivation of graphene to humidity sensing - allowing for future integration with other passivated graphene devices on the same chip.

Experimental and density functional theory studies of some novel piperidine-containing acetylene glycols

Synthesis routes of novel piperidine-containing acetylenes are presented. The new molecules are expected to exhibit plant growth stimulation properties. In particular, the yield in a situation of d ...