Graphene Channel Liquid Container Field Effect Transistor as pH Sensor

Abstract

Graphene channel liquid container field effect transistor pH sensor with interdigital microtrench for liquid ion testing is presented. Growth morphology and pH sensing property of continuous few-layer graphene (FLG) and quasi-continuous monolayer graphene (MG) channels are compared. The experiment results show that the source-to-drain current of the graphene channel FET has a significant and fast response after adsorption of the measured molecule and ion at the room temperature; at the same time, the FLG response time is less than 4 s. The resolution of MG (0.01) on pH value is one order of magnitude higher than that of FLG (0.1). The reason is that with fewer defects, the MG is more likely to adsorb measured molecule and ion, and the molecules and ions can make the transport property change. The output sensitivities of MG are from 34.5% to 57.4% when the pH value is between 7 and 8, while sensitivity of FLG is 4.75% when the $\text{pH}=7$. The sensor fabrication combines traditional silicon technique and flexible electronic technology and provides an easy way to develop graphene-based electrolyte gas sensor or even biological sensors.