At IMM Bologna, the research activity on sensoristics exploiting the properties of C-CVD grown graphene (G), in form of membranes with crystalline domains with 1 to 4 layers or of 3D porous foams, is focused mainly on the development and study on the following devices.

Biological sensors: the activity is focused on the use of G as transducer in a novel electrochemical biosensor, in which electroactive membrane proteins serve as biological recognition elements. They should be embedded in the supported lipid bilayer (SLB), reproducing the native environment, i.e. the cell membrane.  The G CVD synthesis and surface treatments are investigated to improve G biocompatibility. Moreover, the interaction of the treated G surfaces with liposomes, which rupture and spread to form a SLB under specific surface conditions, is also studied.

Gas sensors: The activity is focused on

- Investigation of 3D graphene structures with varied pore sizes for the fabrication of durable, high sensitivity gas sensors that can operate fully reversibly even at room temperature.

- Study and structural-functional characterization of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COF) supported on G cantilevers, for the development of mass gas sensors.

Pressure sensors: we investigate the composites obtained by CVD grown 3D porous G foams (having tunable pore-size distribution) infiltrated with polymeric compounds (PDMS), aiming at the fabrication of flexible and wearable piezoresistive sensors.

Contact person: Rita Rizzoli