Development of a method for the design of graphene nanoribbon electronic structures by applying strain and its application to multifunctional sensors.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H02022
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 18010:Mechanics of materials and materials-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Suzuki Ken 東北大学, 工学研究科, 准教授 (40396461)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: グラフェンナノリボン / ひずみ制御 / ひずみセンサ / ガスセンサ / 光センサ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Based on the strain-induced change in band gap of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), this research project challenged the development of a novel design method for GNR electronic structures that can improve the performance and functionality of graphene devices by controlling the band gap through a combination of GNR geometry and internal strain. As specific application subjects of this method, experimental evaluation of test samples of strain sensors, gas sensors, and optical sensors was conducted. The significant strain dependence of GNR electrical resistance was confirmed, as well as the improvement of gas sensor sensitivity and the increase of photocurrent under pseudo-sunlight irradiation by applying strain. Thus, the possibility of band gap control by combining GNR geometry and appropriate applied strain was demonstrated, and the usefulness of this method in improving the performance of GNR-based sensors was confirmed.

Free Research Field

材料化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

GNRの電気伝導特性評価や光電流測定、ひずみセンサやガスセンサへの応用研究から、グラフェンの形状とひずみを組み合わせることにより任意の電子状態を実現できる可能性を示し、グラフェン応用センサの感度向上に有効な手法であることを明らかにした。形状とひずみ制御に基づき、グラフェンの電気伝導特性の安定化と高バンドギャップ化を両立する設計指針を確立することにより、高性能グラフェンデバイスの実用化に大きく貢献できると考えている。