2D Device Research

The 2D Devices group focuses on the development of 2D material-based devices for applications in biosensing, coatings and water desalination based on the unique properties that these 2D materials possess.

Some of our devices we are developing include:

• Hybrid Magnetic Sensor – A new hybrid magnetic sensor, that is more sensitive than most commercially available sensors, has been developed. This technological breakthrough has potential for the development of smaller and cheaper sensors for various fields such as consumer electronics, information and communication technology, biotechnology and automotive.

• Surface Coatings for Implants – These 2D material coatings have been designed for optimal interface and interactions between implants and cells and tissues. For example, the use of graphene-based substrates and coatings can increase osteointegration and inhibit bacterial growth on metallic orthopedic and dental implants. Alternative routes have also been developed to transfer graphene onto titanium implants.

• Flexible and Wearable Tactile Sensor – A new wearable tactile sensor that utilizes graphene oxide liquid suspension as a novel active force sensing element has been developed for biomedical applications. Liquid represents the ultimate limit in mechanical deformability. Consequently, this liquid-state device is capable of undergoing large degree of deformation and is anticipated to overcome the disadvantages and limitations of solid-state sensors.

• Water Desalination – Severe strain on the fresh water supply has ignited a strong research interest in new methods for water purification and desalination. Nanostructured graphene-oxide (GO) membranes – scalable, inexpensive, thermally and chemically robust, and integrable with the current technologies – have been explored as possible candidates for the next-generation, high-performance separation membranes.