Sensor arrays from multicomponent micropatterned nanoparticles and graphene.

A novel approach for multicomponent patterning metal/metal oxide nanoparticles on graphene was developed, which involves region-specific plasma treatment, followed by region-selective substrate-enhanced electroless deposition of Au nanoparticles and solution alkalization of ferrous chloride tetrahydrate in the presence of ammonia into Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The resultant Fe3O4/Au multicomponent micropatterned-graphene films were found to be highly selective sensor arrays for detecting low levels of chemical vapor molecules at ppm levels. This novel concept could be applied to the development of various multicomponent patterned nanomaterials for many potential applications, ranging from nanoscale region-specific chemical-/bio-sensor arrays to multifunctional optoelectronic devices.