We investigate the thermal conductivity of suspended graphene as a function of the density of defects, ND, introduced in a controllable way. High-quality graphene layers are synthesized using chemical vapor deposition, transferred onto a transmission electron microscopy grid, and suspended over ∼7.5 μm size square holes. Defects are induced by irradiation of graphene with the low-energy electron beam (20 keV) and quantified by the Raman D-to-G peak intensity ratio. As the defect density changes from 2.0 × 10(10) cm(-2) to 1.8 × 10(11) cm(-2) the thermal conductivity decreases from ∼(1.8 ± 0.2) × 10(3) W mK(-1) to ∼(4.0 ± 0.2) × 10(2) W mK(-1) near room temperature. At higher defect densities, the thermal conductivity reveals an intriguing saturation-type behavior at a relatively high value of ∼400 W mK(-1). The thermal conductivity dependence on the defect density is analyzed using the Boltzmann transport equation and molecular dynamics simulations. The results are important for understanding phonon - point defect scattering in two-dimensional systems and for practical applications of graphene in thermal management.
Carbon allotropes such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, have been incorporated in electrochemical biosensors for highly sensitive and selective detection of various analytes. The superior physical and electrical properties like high carrier mobility, ambipolar electric field effect, high surface area, flexibility and their compatibility with microfabrication techniques makes these carbon nanomaterials easy to integrate in field-effect transistor (FET)/chemiresistor type configuration which is suitable for portable and point-of-use/field-deployable sensors. This review covers the synthesis of carbon nanostructures (graphene and CNTs) and their integration into devices using various fabrication methods. Finally, we discuss the recent reports showing different sensing platforms that incorporate biomolecules like enzymes, antibodies and aptamers as recognition elements for fabrication of simple, low cost, compact biosensors that can be used for on-site, rapid environmental monitoring of environmental pollutants like pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides and explosives.
Small RNA (19-23 nucleotides) molecules play an important role in gene regulation, embryonic differentiation, hematopoiesis, and a variety of cancers. Here, we present an ultrasensitive, extremely specific, label-free, and rapid electronic detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) using a carbon nanotubes field-effect transistor functionalized with the Carnation Italian ringspot virus p19 protein biosensor. miRNA-122a was chosen as the target, which was first hybridized to a probe molecule. The probe-miRNA duplex was then quantified by measuring the change in resistance of biosensor resulting from its binding to p19, which selects 21-23 bp RNA duplexes in a size-dependent but sequence-independent manner. The biosensor displayed a wide dynamic range up to 10(-14) M and was able to detect as low as 1 aM miRNA in the presence of a million-fold excess of total RNA, paving the way for simple, point-of-care, low-cost early detection of miRNA as a biomarker in diagnosis of many diseases, including cancer.
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is one of the most commonly detected and toxic cyclic heptapeptide cyanotoxins released by cyanobacterial blooms in surface waters, for which sensitive and specific detection methods are necessary to carry out its recognition and quantification. Here, we present a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs)-based label-free chemiresistive immunosensor for highly sensitive and specific detection of MCLR in different source waters. MCLR was initially immobilized on SWCNTs modified interdigitated electrode, followed by incubation with monoclonal anti-MCLR antibody. The competitive binding of MCLR in sample solutions induced departure of the antibody from the antibody-antigen complexes formed on SWCNTs, resulting in change in the conductivity between source and drain of the sensor. The displacement assay greatly improved the sensitivity of the sensor compared with direct immunoassay on the same device. The immunosensor exhibited a wide linear response to log value of MCLR concentration ranging from 1 to 1000 ng/L, with a detection limit of 0.6 ng/L. This method showed good reproducibility, stability and recovery. The proposed method provides a powerful tool for rapid and sensitive monitoring of MCLR in environmental samples.
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