Large scale applications of 2D materials for sensing and energy harvesting

Abstract

In this project we demonstrate the fabrication and characterization of printed reduced graphene oxide strain sensors, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) 2D material transistors, and tungsten diselenide (WSe₂) photovoltaic devices that were produced through a combination of printing and conventional microfabrication processes. Each of these components were designed with the purpose of fitting into a "smart skin" system that could be discretely integrated into and sense its environment. This thesis document will describe the modification-of a 3D printer to give it inkjet capabilities that allow for the direct deposition of graphene oxide flakes onto a 3D printed surface. These graphene oxide flake traces were then reduced, making them more conductive and able to function as strain sensors. Next, this thesis will discuss the development of CVD molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and CVD graphene transistors and how they can be modified to function as chemical sensors. Finally, this work will detail steps taken to design, fabricate, and test a WSe₂ photovoltaic device which is composed of a printed active layer. In summary, these devices can fit into the sensing, communication, and energy harvesting blocks required in realizing a ubiquitous sensing system.