Scalable Graphene Electro-Patterning, Functionalization, and Printing

Scalable direct graphene patterning and functionalization approaches, which are essential to harness the excellent physical properties of graphene for various biological, chemical, electronic, and optical device applications, are demonstrated in this study. These are achieved by employing simple scalable affordable electrochemical methods. First, graphene was patterned and functionalized in multiple concentric ring shapes and this is realized by controlling the liquid droplet size and the polarity of the applied bias voltage, respectively. Second, the pattern transfer from a mask to graphene is also conducted with assistance of a photoresist (PR) pattern on graphene. The unprotected graphene by the PR was etched by the electrochemical process. Finally, the direct pattern writing on graphene is demonstrated by dragging a liquid droplet at a bias voltage. This maskless direct patterning process of graphene can be extended to a large scale graphene patterning by employing a computerized xyz translation stage like an inkjet printer.