Enhancing graphene-based sensors with metal-organic nanosheets

Every atom in graphene is exposed to its environment which makes it ideal for creating ultrasensitive sensors for detecting diseases, monitoring pollutants, testing nutrient levels and sniffing out explosives. However, because graphene is just made of carbon atoms, it is difficult to achieve high levels of selectivity in order to distinguish between similar compounds. Metal-organic framework nanosheets (MONs) are an emerging class of two-dimensional materials which combine the diversity of organic chemistry with the uniquie propetries of metal ions. In this project, you will work with Dr Jonathan Foster to develop new MONs functionalised with different chemical groups in order to enhance the selectivity of graphene based sensors.

Understanding how nanomaterials interact with analytes that they are detecting is also a key challenge which limits our ability to inteligently design such sensors. Ultrafast spectroscopy makes use of high power lasers to generate ultra short (10-15 seconds in duration) flashes of light that are used to probe the electronic structure and dynamics of the materials. The recently opened Lord Porter Laser Laboratory at the University of Sheffield is a state-of the art facility which is home to some of the latest time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopy equipment in the world. You will therefore work with Dr Adrien Chauvet to explore the optical and electronic properties of MONs and investigate the surface-analyte interactions of the newly developed sensors.