Rapid Fabrication of Graphene Field-Effect Transistors with Liquid-metal Interconnects and Electrolytic Gate Dielectric Made of Honey

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 31;7(1):10171. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-10043-4.

Abstract

Historically, graphene-based transistor fabrication has been time-consuming due to the high demand for carefully controlled Raman spectroscopy, physical vapor deposition, and lift-off processes. For the first time in a three-terminal graphene field-effect transistor embodiment, we introduce a rapid fabrication technique that implements non-toxic eutectic liquid-metal Galinstan interconnects and an electrolytic gate dielectric comprised of honey. The goal is to minimize cost and turnaround time between fabrication runs; thereby, allowing researchers to focus on the characterization of graphene phenomena that drives innovation rather than a lengthy device fabrication process that hinders it. We demonstrate characteristic Dirac peaks for a single-gate graphene field-effect transistor embodiment that exhibits hole and electron mobilities of 213 ± 15 and 166 ± 5 cm 2/V·s respectively. We discuss how our methods can be used for the rapid determination of graphene quality and can complement Raman Spectroscopy techniques. Lastly, we explore a PN junction embodiment which further validates that our fabrication techniques can rapidly adapt to alternative device architectures and greatly broaden the research applicability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electrolytes / chemistry*
  • Equipment Design
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Honey
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Transistors, Electronic*

Substances

  • Electrolytes
  • Graphite