Transparent Patternable Large-Area Graphene p-n Junctions by Photoinduced Electron Doping

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2024 Jan 10;16(1):1198-1205. doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c12419. Epub 2023 Dec 4.

Abstract

We present a novel approach to achieve n-type doping in graphene and create graphene p-n junctions through a photoinduced electron doping method using photobase generators (PBGs). The unique properties of PBGs allow us to spatially and temporally control the doping process via light activation. The selective irradiation of specific regions on the graphene film enables switching their doping from p- to n-type, as confirmed by changes in the electromotive force and Seebeck and Hall coefficients. We demonstrate a stable (over 2 months) high electron mobility exceeding 1000 cm2 V-1s-1 using Hall effect measurements. The precise control of doping and the creation of p-n junctions in graphene offer exciting possibilities for various electronic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric applications. Furthermore, we fabricate transparent graphene thermocouples with a high electromotive force of approximately ca. 80 μV/K, which validates the reliability and effectiveness of our approach for temperature sensing applications. This work paves the way for high-performance graphene-based electronic devices via controlled doping and patterning techniques. These findings provide valuable insights for the practical implementation of graphene in various fields.

Keywords: doping; graphene; patterning; photobase generator; p–n junction; thermocouples; transparent devices.