Graphene-based materials: synthesis, processing and sensing applications

Abstract

Graphene-based nanostructures are fundamental nanoscale building blocks. Due to their unique combination of exceptional structural, mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal and chemical properties these nanoobjects are of great actual research interest. They are considered as promising constitutents for various types of technological applications impacting on the field of nanoelectronics, energy storage and generation devices, sensors, catalysis, biomaterials, and advanced composites, among others. Chemically derived graphene nanostructures provide ease of synthesis, allow for tailored functional properties and offer favorable processing conditdions. They form the base for large-scale production methods and solution-based processing and thus are in the focus for the development of large-scale or macroscopic graphenebased products, such as electroactive graphene-based electrode materials in different forms, shapes and ubiquous use, e.g. in sensing applications. The following lectures will provide a general introduction into PART I • Graphene-based nanoobjects: Structure, Properties, Synthesis and critical issues • Applications and products of graphene-based materials with emphasis on the field of sensing platforms PART II • Chemically derived graphene nanostructures: From graphene precursors towards functional nanoobjects on its own • Processing and macroscopic assembly: towards functional electroactive macdroscopic graphene-materials