Facile Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons as the Novel Sensing Platform: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Approaches

The synthesis and surface functionalization of one-dimensional graphene nanoribbon will be studied for sensor applications. From experimental viewpoint, we plan to improve the yield of graphene nanoribbon produced by the published unzipping process with KMnO4. (D. V. Kosynkin et al. Nature 2009, 458, 16.) After we can get large amount of high-quality graphene nanoribbon, we will further add a variety of functional groups as well as metal atoms, clusters, and nanoparticles onto graphene nanoribbon. Functional graphene nanoribbon will be characterized by different analysis methods so as to be integrated in gas sensor and electrochemical biosensor for related measurements. From theoretical viewpoint, we plan to use density functional theory calculation to study the adsorption mechanism and structure between single molecules or metals on the surface of graphene nanoribbon. In addition to graphene nanoribbon with different ribbon widths and edge structures, we will also construct N-doped or B-doped extrinsic structures on nanoribbon surfaces. The adsorption mechanism and structure are expected to change and can be manipulated by designed atomistic features on nanoribbon surfaces. Our research can offer atomistic and molecular theory foundation for future nanodevice and nanosystem applications. Besides our experimental and theoretical experiences in carbon nanotube and graphene in early publications, (C. L. Sun et al. Chem. Mater. 2005, 17, 3749. Citation ＞ 80, IF = 5.368, N/M = 6.5%; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 8368. IF = 8.580, N/M = 5.0%; J. Electrochem. Soc. 2009, 156, B1249. N/M = 5.9%; J. Phys. Chem. C 2010, 114, 18228. IF = 4.224; Biosens. Bioelectron. (in revision). IF = 5.429, N/M = 4.2%) we already have some preliminary results which can prove this project is doable as well as valuable. It is believed that we must be able to contribute to the development of nanocarbon materials with significant research achievement and publications.

Project ID:PB10007-7270
External Project ID:NSC100-2221-E182-042