First-principles studies of HF molecule adsorption on intrinsic graphene and Al-doped graphene

In the search for a high-sensitivity sensor for HF gas, the adsorption of HF molecules on both intrinsic and Al-doped graphene sheets is studied by first-principles calculations. We find that the adsorption mechanisms of HF molecules are different for intrinsic graphene and Al-doped graphene. Al-doped graphene has higher adsorption energy and shorter connecting distance to the HF molecule than intrinsic graphene. The calculated net electron transfers, electronic density difference images and densities of states give evidence that the adsorption of HF molecules on Al-doped graphene is by chemisorption, while there is weak physisorption on intrinsic graphene. Therefore, Al-doped graphene can be expected to have applications as a novel sensor for the detection of HF gas. The HF molecules adsorbed on Al-doped graphene material can be reactivated by applying an external electric field of 0.013 au. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.