Sensing Applications of Graphene

One possible application of graphene is as a molecular sensor using molecular vibrations (vibronics) [3]. Vibronics can be used to sense or transport signals, and theoretical simulations have shown the possible use for sensors to identify single molecules with modes in the terahertz (THz) region. 

Excellent recent reviews on graphene-based electrochemical sensors [113] and on analytical devices in biomolecules detection and cancer diagnostics [114] appeared recently, where the superior electrochemical sensing performances of graphene-based electrodes toward the detection of various biomolecules and chemicals have been demonstrated. Also in this field, porphyrin-functionalized graphene hybrids resulted in interesting analytical applications, as will be discussed next. 

Fig. 12.13 (a) Molecules used to show the sensing application the dimer top) and trimer bottom) of acetone peroxide, (b) Graphene ribbon used as sensor material of acetone peroxide based explosives (Reprinted from Ref. [38] with kind permission of The American Institute of Physics)... 

K.-H, and Chen, L.-C. (2011) The production of SiC nanowalls sheathed with a few layers of strained graphene and their use in heterogeneous catalysis and sensing applications. Carbon, 49, 4911-4919. 

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