Vertical graphene gas- and bio-sensors via catalyst-free, reactive plasma reforming of natural honey

A rapid reforming of natural honey exposed to reactive low-temperature Ar + H-2 plasmas produced high-quality, ultra-thin vertical graphenes, without any metal catalyst or external heating. This transformation is only possible in the plasma and fails in similar thermal processes. The process is energy-efficient, environmentally benign, and is much cheaper than common synthesis methods based on purified hydrocarbon precursors. The graphenes retain the essential minerals, of natural honey, feature reactive open edges and reliable gas- and bio-sensing performance. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.