Templated patterning of graphene oxide using self-assembled monolayers

A cost-effective and efficient route for graphene oxide (GO) patterning through site-selective deposition of GO onto a photopatterned self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of octadecylphosphonic acid on the surface of native oxide of titanium was demonstrated. In this process, SAMs on titanium oxide was first patterned via ultraviolet light exposure through a mask, subsequent drop-casting of GO aqueous dispersion on the substrate resulted in the site-selective deposition of GO on the hydrophilic areas. The formation of GO patterns is evidenced by Raman mapping. Atomic force microscopy studies indicate that the thickness of patterned GO can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the GO dispersion. Scanning electron microscopy, and inverted fluorescence microscopy of large area GO patterns demonstrate this process is scalable and that the fluorescent property of nanoscale GO sheets is still reserved after deposition. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.