Graphene Based FET for Sensing Applications
In an era driven by innovation, these cutting-edge devices are redefining the landscape of sensing applications. As we delve into the realm of nanoelectronics and semiconductor sensors, we'll uncover the remarkable capabilities of Graphene FETs and their pivotal role in revolutionizing various industries. From the insights we derive through IP analysis, the synergy of graphene-based sensors and advanced sensing technology is poised to shape our future in profound ways.
Scientists, academics, and enterprises worldwide are very interested in graphene because of its variety and prospective applications. Graphene was discovered in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, for which they received the Nobel Prize in Physics. Since then, graphene has been the focus of research and development to implement and improve technology in various industries, including aerospace, electronics, and energy. This blog delves into the extraordinary qualities of graphene and how it is utilized in electronics as field-effect transistors.
Graphene is often referred to as "the mother of all graphitic forms of carbon" or a "wonder material." With its exceptional attributes, graphene has emerged as a groundbreaking force in the electronics industry. Its remarkable electrical conductivity, unique two-dimensional structure, mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity have opened new horizons for innovation and progress. This blog explores these critical characteristics of graphene and their implications for revolutionizing various industries. From lightning-fast signal processing to compact device designs, from unmatched mechanical resilience to efficient heat dissipation, graphene's features have the potential to reshape the future of technology.
2D Design
Graphene consists of a monolayer of carbon atoms organized in a 2D honeycomb lattice structure. This describes a unique atomic composition and geometric arrangement. (Source)
This design essentially makes graphene a single layer of carbon atoms, tightly bonded together in a repeating hexagonal pattern. Graphene's 2D nature enables the design and manufacture of ultra-compact devices like transistors, allowing for higher device densities and more space-efficient integrated circuits. The novel 2D design presents opportunities for improvement and advancements in flexible electronics and wearable technologies, and the possibilities are endless.
Electrical conductivity
The exceptional electrical conductivity of graphene originates from its hexagonal lattice structure. This arrangement allows electrons to encounter negligible resistance, allowing for rapid and unhindered movement. This unparalleled property renders graphene FETs appealing for applications needing fast and efficient signal processing. In addition, this exceptional property plays a crucial role in developing short and efficient high-performance transistors. This technological breakthrough has led to telecommunications, computing, and sensor technology advancements.
Mechanical strength
While graphene is incredibly thin, it processes remarkable mechanical strength. Having a tensile strength 200 times stronger than steel, it is known as one of the most robust materials known to man. The secret behind its remarkable mechanical power lies in the strong covalent bonds formed between carbon atoms in its honeycomb-like structure. Graphene is a perfect contender for a wide range of applications, particularly in electronic devices, because of the complicated network of carbon atoms created by this bond. Its robustness and mechanical strength make graphene an ideal material for innovations in energy storage, sensors, biomedical devices, ultrathin, and flexible electronics.
High Thermal Conductivity
Graphene demonstrates exceptional thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to transfer heat. Materials with high thermal conductivity efficiently conduct heat, facilitating rapid heat transfer. On the other hand, materials with low thermal conductivity act as thermal insulators, impeding the transfer of heat. Graphene's high thermal conductivity makes it an ideal material for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation. By integrating graphene FETs into electronic devices, we can improve performance and reliability by preventing overheating.
Graphene-based field-effect transistors (FETs) take full advantage of graphene's exceptional electrical conductivity, 2D design, mechanical resilience, and high thermal conductivity. Applications that make use of these outstanding properties of graphene are endless. In this blog, we take a closer look at graphene-based FETs.
Graphene-based field-effect transistors (FETs) have emerged as promising devices for sensing applications due to their exceptional electronic properties. This blog explores the potential of graphene-based FETs in sensing, highlighting their advantages over traditional sensors and recent developments in the field.
As of today, field-effect transistors (FETs) play a critical role in electronics and are essential to the electronic devices we use daily. FETs have become an indispensable component in modern electronics, with their efficient use in amplifiers, switches, and digital circuits powering numerous contemporary devices, including smartphones, computers, and televisions.
Power Transistors (Source)
A field-effect transistor (FET) is an electronic component that regulates current flow in an electronic device by utilizing an electric field. Applying a voltage to the gate alters the conductivity between the drain and source, which controls the current flow.
Comparison of
Si-based
and
Graphene-
based
FET
Graphene-based FETs offer several advantages over traditional silicon-based FETs, including high sensitivity, high speed, low power consumption. The use of graphene-based FETs in the realm of sensing is among the most promising. Sensors are tools used to identify and gauge the physical or chemical characteristics of a substance or environment. Graphene-based FET sensors have been created for a variety of sensing applications, including gas sensing, biosensing, and environmental sensing.
Gas Sensing
Due to their high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, graphene-based FETs have demonstrated significant promise in gas sensing applications. These sensors work on the premise that certain gases alter graphene's electrical conductivity, enabling the gas's identification and measurement. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonia are just a few of the gases that can be detected using GFET gas sensors. Graphene is an excellent material for gas sensing applications due to its high electrical conductivity and large surface area.
Biosensing
Graphene is a particular substance that excels in biosensing applications because of its enormous surface area and electrical solid conductivity. In biosensing, a target molecule's presence modifies the graphene channel's electrical conductivity, enabling the detection and quantification of the molecule. The large surface area of graphene also enables the immobilization of biological molecules, such as enzymes or antibodies, allowing for the targeted targeting of specific biomolecules.
Environmental Sensing
GFETs have also been created for environmental sensing to detect contaminants in water and air. For instance, graphene-based FETs have been designed to detect heavy elements in water, such as lead and mercury. These sensors work on the idea that the target molecule's presence alters graphene's electrical conductivity, enabling the detection and measurement of the molecule.
IP Moat
Let's take a closer look at companies' different strategies to manage their patents and protect their intellectual property (IP) in response to the growing popularity of graphene-based FETs. Due to the enormous benefits of graphene implementation in field-effect transistors, it has been adopted by multiple manufacturers and technology companies, researchers, research and development companies, electronics manufacturers, universities, and computer manufacturers.
Major Key Players
Top 10 conglomerates in graphene-based field-effect transistor patent landscape.
Universities and electronics companies mostly own patents in this field, with BOE Technologies Group assigned to the highest number of patent families.
Markets and Competitors
The above graph illustrates the international patent filing strategy of the key players across different jurisdictions, with China having the highest count of patent families.
Patent Families in the past 20 years
Advancements in graphene-based field-effect transistors are responsible for the upward trend and increase in the number of patent families. The graph depicts the number of patent families in the last 20 years, and it is clear that researchers and product developers have been working to improve this technology.
Outlook
Utilizing graphene for sensing applications has opened many new possibilities. Researchers are working to improve the performance of GFETs in many ways, such as yield, quality, and device improvement. Further developments with graphene in electronics are expected to revolutionize transistors, flexible and wearable electronics, and transparent conductive materials. Graphene's remarkable conductivity can make faster data processing possible, and the material's robustness and flexibility make it possible to create cutting-edge wearable technology. Furthermore, touchscreens and solar cells may benefit from graphene's transparency and conductivity. In addition, graphene can be utilized in DNA sequencing and other nanodevices. Graphene is positioned to revolutionize electronics in the future due to its endless potential.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information that is publicly available and is considered to be reliable. However, Lumenci cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or reliability of this data.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information that is publicly available and is considered to be reliable. However, Lumenci cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or reliability of this data.
Author
Abdias Tellez Benitez
Associate Consultant at Lumenci
Abdias is a seasoned technical professional with more than 5 years of experience in various engineering domains. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of California, Merced, where he specialized in computation, hardware, software, and network architecture. In addition to his academic achievements, Abdias has a strong background in robotics leading to the development of patent-worthy innovations and has made contributions to research in the field of IoT for Agriculture.