Improved transfer tactics make better graphene devices

Polymer residues on graphene – routinely left behind after the material is transferred to dielectric substrates like SiO₂ – adversely affect its electronic properties. Now, a team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has found that using lower concentrations of polymer solution during the transfer process is better, and results in less p-type doping in the carbon material. Treating the graphene surface with a chemical called formamide also temporarily enhances the electronic properties of graphene. The findings will help in making improved, high-performance carbon-based devices in the future.