MAE Seminar: Enabling Multifunctional Sensors with 2D Materials

Abstract: The rapid development of electronics for wearables and internet of things have pushed forward the need for all types of sensors to detect chemical exposure, physiological conditions, exposure to viruses and other environmental factors. In sensor platforms, graphene and other 2D materials have become increasingly interesting candidates due to their multifunctional and tunable properties. Namely, the mechanical strength and flexibility at the ultimate materials scaling limit, unique transport characteristics, tunable optical properties, controllable surface sites and the potential for facile device fabrication in contrast to 1D and 3D counterparts have captivated researchers and engineers alike. In this talk, opportunities for 2D materials in soft sensor platforms, including those for harmful gases and virus detection, are discussed, exploring low cost and customizable laser-manufacturing approaches, impedance-based approaches that enable record ultrasensitive liquid processed 2D materials, and direct synthesis of superlattices to allow material properties by design. Additionally, a perspective on future selectivity strategies is discussed that enable both liquid and gaseous species to be detected with precise identification.

Bio: Nick Glavin is a materials scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory in the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and is a member of the flexible electronic research team within the Soft Matter Materials branch. He received his B.S. and M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Dayton in 2010 and 2012, respectively, and his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 2016. Upon completion of his Ph.D., he joined the Air Force Research Laboratory, where his current research is specifically focused on flexible 2D materials, 2D/3D membranes and molecular 2D sensors.