Synthesis and Applications of Large-Area Monolayer Graphene
Name
wang-zhienw-phd-dmse-2025-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
Size
43.97 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
1119fda74e92094c0170d75cb4aff6be
Author(s)
Wang, Zhien (Abigail)
Advisor(s)
Kong, Jing
Date Issued
September 2025
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Graphene, renowned for its exceptional electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties, is a promising candidate for next-generation electronics, photonics, and biosensing. However, realizing its full potential depends critically on the ability to synthesize high-quality monolayer graphene. In this thesis, we present a robust chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach for synthesizing large-area, adlayer-free, single-orientation graphene on Cu(111) foil and Cu(111) film/sapphire. A comparative analysis between these two substrates reveals critical differences in wrinkle density, grain size, and strain — offering insights for optimizing graphene growth.
We further identify and characterize defective merging behavior in single-orientation graphene domains. Contrary to conventional assumptions, these merging regions contain permeable defects, revealing previously unrecognized limitations in using single-orientation stitched graphene as an impermeable barrier. To scale up production while reducing human error, we also develop an autonomous CVD platform with automated sample handling, growth and post-growth oxidation. This system enables high-throughput and reproducible graphene synthesis with minimal supervision.
Building on these synthesis advances, we explore multiple applications of large-area monolayer graphene. We discover that graphene can promote interfacial oxidation of metals like aluminum and titanium during deposition, whereas metals such as nickel remain stable — a finding that informs the engineering of metal-graphene interfaces for electronic devices. In parallel, we explored diverse applications of graphene, including its role as a transparent, flexible electrode in organic solar cells, along with several collaborative efforts demonstrating its use as a sensor for cardiac microtissues, and as a tunable microheater in mid-infrared devices.
Altogether, this work advances both the fundamental understanding and technological scalability of monolayer graphene, positioning it as a versatile platform for future applications across electronics, optoelectronics, and biointerfaces.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Terms of Use
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Copyright retained by author(s)
Persistent DSpace Link
