(June 23, 2015) Researchers
from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new
approach for forming 3D shapes from flat, 2D sheets of graphene, paving the way
for future integrated systems of graphene-MEMS hybrid devices and flexible
electronics.
“To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to
demonstrate graphene integration to a variety of different microstructured
geometries, including pyramids, pillars, domes, inverted pyramids, and the 3D
integration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/graphene hybrid structures,”
explained SungWoo Nam, an assistant professor of mechanical science and
engineering at Illinois. “The flexibility and 3D nature of our structures will
enable intimate biosensing devices which can be conformed to the shape and
characteristics of human skin and other biological systems. The 3D protruding
micro-structures can also achieve enhanced sensitivity by maximizing the effective
contact area between the sensors and non-flat surfaces.