DNA-decorated graphene nanomesh for detection of chemical vapors

The promise of graphene for use as a vapor sensor motivated exploration of the vapor responses of graphene nanomesh (GNM) functionalized with single stranded DNA. Devices detected different vapor types, including carboxylic acids, aldehydes, organophosphates, and explosives. As-fabricated GNM field effect transistors (FETs) had larger vapor responses than standard graphene FETs due to the effect of oxidized edges and lattice defects. DNA-GNM devices discriminated between homologous species with detection limits of a few parts per million, with fast response and recovery. Responses varied significantly when the base sequence of the DNA was changed, making the sensor class an intriguing candidate for use in an electronic nose system. (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.