Spectroscopic and Electrical Insights into Humidity-Induced Modifications of Graphene Structures

Spectroscopic and Electrical Insights into Humidity-Induced Modifications of Graphene Structures

WoS Article

This paper explores the environmental sensitivity of monolayer graphene-based sensor devices for use as sensors under controlled humidity conditions using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). The structural and electrical responses of the graphene devices were examined before and after exposure to water vapor. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of minor defects localized near the contacts, while FTIR revealed distinct spectral changes associated with the adsorption of H2O and displacement of preadsorbed CO2. KPFM mapping demonstrated surface potential redistribution and a reduction of the work function, consistent with improved carrier mobility upon water adsorption. Electrical measurements showed resistance variations that diverge from theoretical predictions for pristine graphene, indicating that environmental contaminants strongly influence device behavior. These results highlight the dual role of water as both a contaminant stabilizer and a charge redistribution agent, emphasizing the importance of environmental control for graphene-based sensing applications, or the inclusion of the expectations of the shift of electric properties caused by the environmental contaminants.

This paper explores the environmental sensitivity of monolayer graphene-based sensor devices for use as sensors under controlled humidity conditions using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). The structural and electrical responses of the graphene devices were examined before and after exposure to water vapor. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of minor defects localized near the contacts, while FTIR revealed distinct spectral changes associated with the adsorption of H2O and displacement of preadsorbed CO2. KPFM mapping demonstrated surface potential redistribution and a reduction of the work function, consistent with improved carrier mobility upon water adsorption. Electrical measurements showed resistance variations that diverge from theoretical predictions for pristine graphene, indicating that environmental contaminants strongly influence device behavior. These results highlight the dual role of water as both a contaminant stabilizer and a charge redistribution agent, emphasizing the importance of environmental control for graphene-based sensing applications, or the inclusion of the expectations of the shift of electric properties caused by the environmental contaminants.

Graphene; water adsorption; environmental effects; charge redistribution; KPFM; FTIR; Raman spectroscopy

Graphene; water adsorption; environmental effects; charge redistribution; KPFM; FTIR; Raman spectroscopy

SOBOLA, D.; KASPAR, P.; PAPEŽ, N.; DALLAEV, R.; HOLCMAN, V.; FOHLEROVÁ, Z.; SEDLÁK, P.; AL-ANBER, M.; MACKŮ, R.

16.06.2026

American Chemical Society (ACS)

ACS Omega

11

23

United States of America

33368

33379

12

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10687