Graphene-based sensors for soil analysis: spectroscopic and theoretical study

This project will investigate the properties of graphene as a sensor material to detect small molecules and ions in soil. You will use a combination of advanced laser spectroscopy and quantum chemistry to investigate photochemical properties of graphene and related materials and their interactions with ions, such as phosphate and nitrate. Our goal is to develop highly selective and low-cost graphene-based sensors to detect a variety of chemical species in soil. Thus this project will help address a key environmental problem of monitoring plant nutrients, such as phosphate and nitrate, in soil.

Graphene is already being exploited as a sensor material. Advantageously, graphene is highly versatile and can be altered in composition (through doping or defects) as well as structurally (from planar to 3D via laser ablation). Any alteration in composition and structure will alter the sensing properties of these graphene materials. In other words, graphene can be fine-tuned to sense specific small molecules or ions.